\ 


r 


V. 


THE 

MEDICAL  COMPANION 

TREA.TIXG, 

Accordiiic;'  to  the  most  successful  practice, 


I.  THE  DISEASES  COMMON  TO 
WARM  CLIMATES  AND  ON 
SHIP  BOARD. 

ir.    COMMON     CASES   IN  SURGE- 


RY,   AS    FRACTURES,  DISLO- 
CATIONS, kc. 
III.  THE  COMPLAINTS  PECULIAR 
TO   WOMEN   AND  CHILDREN. 


A  DISPENSATORY  AND  GLOSSARY. 

TO  \THICH  ARE  ADDED, 

A  BRIEF  ANATOMY  OF  THE  HUMAN  BODY; 
AN  ESSAY  ON  HYGIEINE, 

OR  THE  ART  OF  PRESERVING  HEALTH  AND  PROLONGING  LIFE; 

AN  AMERICAN  MATERIA  MEDICA, 

INSTRUCTING  COUNTRY  GENTLEMEN  IN  THE  VERY  IMPORTANT 
KNOWLEDGE  OF  THE  VIRTUES   AND  DOSES  OF 
OUR  MEDICINAL  PLANTS; 

ALSO, 

A  CONCISE  AND  1MPARTIA.L  HISTORY 

OF  THE 

CAPTURE  OF  WASHINGTON, 

AND  THE  DISEASES  WHICH  SPRUNG  FROM  THAT 
MOST  DEPLORABLE  DISASTER. 


THE  THIRD  EDITIOjX^GREATLY  IMPROVED. 


BY  JAMES  EWELL, 

PHYSICIAN  IN  WASHINGTON, 

F  ORMERLV 

OF  SAVANNAH. 

"  I  have  always  thouc^ht  it  a  greater  happiness  to  discover  a  certain  Tiiethod 
of  curing-,  even  the  slightest  disease,  than  to  accumulate  the  largest  for- 
tune; and  whoever  compasses  the  former,  I  esteem  not  only  hajjpler,  but 
widci*  and  better  too."  Sydenham. 


PHILADELPHIA: 
PKINTED  FOR  THE  AUTHOR, 
1817. 


Dlsti-lct  of  Pennsylvania,  to  wit: 
BE  IT  REMEMBERED,  that  on  the  seventh  day  of  May, 
*  SEAL.  *  in  tlie  fortieth  year  of  the  independence  of  the  United  States 
«  «  of  America,  A.  D.  1816,  James  Ewell,  M.  D.  of  the  said  dis- 

********  trict,  hath  deposited  in  tliis  office  the  title  of  a  book,  the 
right  whereof  he  claims  as  author,  in  the  words  following,  to  wit: 

**  The  Medical  Companion:  treating,  according  to  the  most  successful  prac- 
tice, I.  The  diseases  common  to  warm  climates  and  on  ship  board:  II. 
Common  cases  in  surgery,  as  fractures,  dislocations,  &c.  III.  The  com- 
plaints peculiar  to  women  and  children.  With  a  Dispensatory  and  Glos- 
sary. To  w  hich  are  added,  a  bi  ief  anatomy  of  the  human  body;  an  essay 
on  Hygieine,  or  the  art  of  preserving  health  and  prolonging  life;  an  Ame- 
rican Materia  Medica,  instructing  country  gentlemen  in  the  very  import- 
ant knowledge  of  the  virtues  and  doses  of  our  medicinal  plants;  also,  a 
concise  and  impartial  history  of  the  capture  of  Washington,  and  the  dis- 
eases which  sprung  from  that  most  deplorable  disaster.  The  third  edition 
—greatly  improved.  By  James  Ewell,  physician  in  Washington,  formerly 
of  Savannah.  "  I  have  always  thought  it  a  greater  happiness  to  discover 
a  certain  method  of  curing,  even  the  slightest  disease,  than  to  accumulate 
the  largest  fortune;  and  whoever  compasses  the  former,  I  esteem  not  only 
happier,  but  wiser  and  better  too.  Sydenham." 

In  conformity  to  the  act  of  the  Congress  of  the  United  States,  entituled, 
**  An  act  for  the  encouragement  of  learning,  by  securing  the  copies  of  maps, 
charts,  and  books,  to  the  authors  and  proprietors  of  such  copies,  during  the 
times  therein  mentioned,"  and  also  to  the  act,  entitled,  '*  An  act  for  the  en- 
couragement of  learning,  by  securing  the  copies  of  maps,  charts,  and  books, 
to  the  authors  and  proprietors  of  such  copies  during  the  times  therein  men- 
tioned," and  extended  the  benefits  thereof  to  the  aits  of  designing,  engra- 
ving, and  etching  historical  and  other  prints." 

D.  CALDWELL,  Clerk  of  the 
District  of  Pennsylvania. 


RECOMMENDATIONS. 


IN  testimony  of  the  merits  of  this  work,  the  following 
commendations,  by  some  of  the  most  distinguish- 
ed medical  characters,  of  the  United  States,  are  in- 
serted. 

Philadeltihiay  December  31,  1807. 

Dear  Sir, 

I  have  read  your  book  entitled  "  The  Medical  Comfianion,*^ 
with  pleasure,  and  think  it  worthy  the  attention  of  the  citizens  of 
the  United  States. 

W.  SHIPPEN,  M.  D. 

Professor  of  Anatomy, 

Dr.  James  Ewe II. 


Philadel/ihia^  December  31,  18(57. 

Dear  Sir, 

I  have  carefully  perused  your  work,  "  The  Medical  Comfianion^** 
and  take  much  pleasure  in  expressing;  my  entire  approbation  of 
the  plan,  and  of  the  utility  with  which  you  have  conducted  your 
inquiries.  Your  book  cannot  fail  to  be  a  very  acceptable  present  to 
the  public  in  general,  and  especially  to  our  own  countrymen.  I 
really  am  of  opinion,  that  you  are  entitled  to  much  praise  for  the 
pains  which  you  have  taken  in  furnishing  us  with  a  work,  the  want 
of  which  has  long  been  experienced  among  us. 

Your  friend,  &c. 

B.S.  BARTON,  M.  D. 
Professor  of  Materia  Medica^  Mitural  History  and  Botany, 
Dr.  James  Ewell. 


December  28,  1807. 
I  have  read  "  The  Medical  Companion^^  by  Dr.  James  Ewell, 
vith  satisfaction.  It  is  a  book  containing  a  variety  of  matter  in  a 
small  compass.  The  practice  which  he  recommends  in  diseases, 


iv 


Recommejidations* 


is  modern  and  judicious,  and  the  work  cannot  fail  of  being  useful 
in  all  families  in  the  United  States. 

JAMES  WOODHOUSE,  M.  D. 

Professor  of  Che7nistry  in  the  University  of  Pennsylvania, 

Dr.  Jaijies  Eiuell, 


Dear  Sir, 

I  have  looked  over  your  "  Medical  Companion'*  with  pleasure. 
The  arrangement  of  the  various  parts  is  judicious,  the  languacje 
plain  and  perspicuous,  and  the  sentiments  happily  condensed;  the 
modes  ot  treatment  grow  out  of  the  most  improved  state  of  our 
science,  and  may  serve  as  a  safe  and  useful  guide  to  every  family, 
cutoff  from  the  services  of  able  physicians. 

Accept  the  homage  of  my  regard. 

JOHN  B.  DAVIDGE,  M.  D. 
Professor  of  Anatorny^  Surgery^  life,  in  the  College  of 
Medicine  of  Maryland, 
Baltimore,  Feb.  19,  1808. 
Dr.  James  Ewell. 


Dear  Sir, 

We  have  perused  your  Medical  Comfiariion'*  with  much  sa- 
tisfaction, and  strongly  recommend  it  to  the  attention  of  those  fa- 
milies who  cannot  with  convenience  procure  medical  aid.  VVe 
think  it  the  best  publication  we  have  ever  read  on  the  domestic 
treatment  of  diseases,  more  especially  as  it  regards  those  of  our 
climate. 

We  are  very  respectfully,  sir,  your  most  obedient  servants, 

BROWN  &  MACKENZIE. 

Baltimore,  March  4,  1808. 
Dr»  James  Ewell. 


Sir, 

I  have  read  your  book  on  Domestic  Medicine  with  pleasure. 
The  practice  recommended  in  it  is  judicious,  and  being  from  the 
pen  of  a  native  physician,  has  great  advantage  over  the  publications 
of  Buchan  and  Tissot. 

JOHN  SHAW,  M.  D. 
Professor  of  Chemistry  in  the  College  of  Medicine 
of  Maryland, 

Dr. James  Ewell. 


Dear  Sir,  Charleston^  May  7,  1808. 

Your  "  Medical  Companion"  contains  much  useful  knowledge 
in  a  small  compass,  and  is  particularly  adapted  to  these  states. 
Families  remote  from  medical  aid,  wiU  find  their  account  in  pos- 


Recommendations, 


V 


scssing  a  book  which  describes  diseases  so  plainly,  and  prescribes 
for  them  so  judiciously,  as  bid  fair  to  save  valuable  lives,  which 
otherwise  might  be  lost. 

Your  most  obedient  servant, 

DAVID  RAMSAY,  M.  D. 

Dr.  James  Ewell, 


Charleston,  S.  C.  May  12,  1808. 

Dear  Sir, 

The  perusal  of  your  "  Medical  Cow/iamon'*  has  given  me  the 
greatest  satisfaction.  Such  a  publication  has  been  much  wanted, 
and  I  think  the  plan  and  execution  of  your  work  must  answer  the 
most  valuable  purposes. 

Yours  very  truly, 

ALEX.  BARRON,  M.  D. 

Dr.  James  Ewell, 


Charleston,  May  14,  1808. 

Dear  Sir, 

1  have  with  great  pleasure  perused  your  "  Family  Physician." 
I  find  it  to  be  a  well  digested  compend  of  the  most  modern  and  ap- 
proved modes  of  treating  diseases,  especially  those  to  which  our 
country  is  most  exposed.  You  have  subjoined  a  dispensatory,  ju- 
diciously calculated  to  obviate  those  errors  which  too  frequently 
ensue  from  the  exhibition  of  medicine,  where  the  aid  of  the  prac- 
titioner cannot  be  obtained.  Yours,  &c. 

PHILIP  G.  PRIOLEAU. 

Dr.  James  Envell. 


Washington,  March  1,  1808. 

Sir, 

I  return  you  my  thanks  for  the  copy  of  "  The  Medical  Com- 
panion" you  have  been  so  kind  as  to  send  me,  and  must  particu- 
larly express  my  sense  of  the  favourable  sentiments  expressed  to- 
wards me  in  the  beginning  of  the  work;  especially  loo,  where  it 
recals  to  my  recollection  the  memory  of  your  respectable  father, 
who  was  the  friend  and  companion  of  my  youth,  and  for  whom  I 
retained  through  life  an  affectionate  attachment.  The  plan  of  your 
work  is  certainly  excellent,  and  its  execution,  as  far  as  am  a  judge, 
worthy  of  the  plan.  It  brings  within  a  moderate  compass  whatever 
is  useful,  levels  it  to  ordinary  comprehension,  and  as  a  manual, 
will  be  a  valuable  possession  to  every  family. 

I  pray  you  accept  my  saluations  and  assurances  of  esteem  and 
respect. 

TH:  JEFFERSON. 

Dr.  EivelL 


vi 


Re  CO  mm  enda  tions. 


Philadelphia,  Aug.  13th,  1816. 

Dear  Sir, 

I  have  looked  over  with  some  care,  the  copy  of  the  Third  Edi- 
tion the  "  Medical  Companion"  which  you  did  me  the  favour  to 
present  to  me. 

By  the  additions  and  revisions  given  to  this  new  impression  of 
the  work,  it  is  not  only  enlarged,  but  exceedingly  improved. 

After  stating  so  much,  I  need  hardly  repeat  an  opinion,  which  I 
publicly  expressed  on  a  former  occasion,  that  I  consider  it,  as  in- 
disputably, the  most  useful  popular  treatise  on  medicine  with 
which  I  am  acquainted. 

Compared  with  the  European  Books  of  the  same  nature,  it  has, 
especially  in  relation  to  the  treatment  of  the  diseases  of  our  own 
country,  a  very  decided  superiority. 

I  trust  that  the  success  of  this  literary  enterprize  may  be  equal 
to  your  very  generous  and  benevolent  disposition. 

With  great  respect,  I  am  dear  sir,  yours,  8cc. 

N.  CHAPMAN,  M.  D. 
Professor  of  the  Listitutes  and  Practice  of  Medicine  and 
Ciinical  Practice^  in  the  University  of  Pennsylvania. 

Philadelphia,  Aug.  13th,  1816. 

Dear  Sir, 

I  have  derived  much  satisfaction  from  a  perusal  of  the  third 
Edition  of  your  "  Medical  Companion." 

The  additions  and  improvements  which  it  contains,  as  compared 
with  the  two  first  editions  of  the  work,  are  extensive  and  impor- 
tant. 

To  families  in  the  country,  remote,  not  only  from  medical  aid, 
but  from  places  where  common  medicinal  articles  are  to  be  pro- 
cured, your  Materia  Medica  alone,  disclosing  to  them  the  healing 
resources  of  their  own  farms  and  forests,  will  be  of  high  value. 
Nor,  provided  they  be  true  to  their  best  interests,  and  avail  them- 
selves of  the  advantages  placed  at  their  disposal,  will  your  rules 
and  directions  for  the  preservation  of  health,  be  less  useful  to 
them. 

In  addition  to  these  two  important  branches,  now  introduced 
into  the  Medical  Companion  for  the  first  time,  it  contains  a  large 
amount  of  new  miscellaneous  matter,  which  cannot  fail  to  be  in- 
teresting to  the  reader. 

On  the  whole,  if  I  be  not  greatly  mistaken  in  my  estimation  of 
the  character  of  your  work,  it  is  well  calculated  to  prove  exten- 
sively useful,  and  to  place  you  in  the  midst  of  the  permanent  be- 
nefactors of  your  country. 

That  you  may  receive,  in  reputation  and  wealth,  your  full  re- 
ward, is  the  sincere  wish  of 

Dear  sir,  your  very  humble 

And  obedient  servant, 

CH.  CALDWELL,  M.  D. 

X)r.  James  Eivell. 


Reco7nmendatio77s, 


vii 


The  folloiving  Review  is  from  that  celebrated  luork  the  Xeiv  York 
Medical  Repository. 

Manuals  of  health,  or  popular  publicaiions  on  medicine,  have 
become  so  frequent  as  to  have  excited  the  censure  of  some  grave 
and  oracular  members  of  the  profession.  They  consider  their 
publisiiing  brethren  as  unnecessarily  divulging  the  arcana  of  the 
art,  as  depreciating  its  credit  and  estimation,  and  as  teaching  the 
common  mass  of  readers  to  know  as  much  as  themselves.  This 
communicative  disposition  they  conceive  to  be  carried  to  a  very 
faulty  extreme.  For  when  the  secrets  of  the  healing  faculty  are 
promulgated  by  its  members,  with  such  consummate  knowledge 
and  success,  what  is  left  for  distinguishing  the  regularly  initiated 
from  those  who  are  without  the  pale?  The  propagation  of  the  Es- 
culapian  mysteries  is  viewed  to  be  faulty  on  another  account; 
inasmuch  as  in  diminishing  the  importance,  it  lessens  the  profits 
of  the  practisers,  and  thus,  for  the  gratification  and  emolument  of 
one  tell-tale  author,  the  whole  fraternity  is  disparaged. 

Let  us,  however,  do  justice  to  those  sons  of  physic  who  are  thus 
accused  of  faithlessness,  in  uttering  abroad  those  matters  which 
ought  to  be  viewed  as  under  the  restriction  of  closed  doors.  Con- 
trast their  conduct  with  that  of  another  class  of  medical  personages, 
who  for  ever  deal  in  nostrums,  and  are  incessantly  boasting  of  their 
wonder-working  powers;  who  assure  the  credulous  world  they  can 
cure  every  possible  disease  of  mind  and  body;  but  with  a  cunning 
equal  to  their  effrontery,  permit  no  mortal  to  become  acquainted 
with  their  remedies.  Compare  the  conduct  of  him  who  v/ithholds 
nothing  from  his  fellow  citizens,  with  that  of  him  who  keeps  every 
thing  to  himself.  There  can  scarcely  be  a  stronger  exhibition  of 
generous  communication  on  the  one  part,  and  of  selfish  conceal- 
ment on  the  other.  Whatever  may  be  pleaded  in  behalf  of  the  per- 
sons who  refuse  to  make  a  magnanimous  publication  for  the  good 
of  mankind,  of  such  valuable  means  of  cure  as  they  may  possess, 
or  who  secure  the  profits  of  them  under  the  statute  of  patents, 
there  certainly  is  a  character  of  greater  disinterestedness  and  phi- 
lanthropy, and  a  temper  of  a  brighter  mould  and  finish  in  him, 
who,  without  fee  or  price,  offers  to  his  fellow  creatures  all  he 
knows  that  will  be  beneficial  to  them. 

We  know  it  has  been  said,  that  a  smattering  in  the  knowledge 
of  the  animal  economy,  and  of  diseases,  multii)lies  the  number  of 
patients,  and  encourages  the  practice  of  physic.  Books  on  such 
subjects,  addressed  to  the  people  at  large,  are  peculiarly  calculat- 
ed to  alarm  their  fears  whenever  they  are  unwell,  and,  therefore, 
impel  them  to  seek  assistance  from  those  on  whose  skill  they  rely. 
It  has  been  surmised  too,  that  the  disciples  of  Buchan,  Willich. 
and  their  coadjutors,  have  often  been  led,  from  superficial  and 
conceited  knowledge,  to  become  prescribers  to  others,  and  liave, 
by  their  blunders,  rendered  the  attendance  of  the  regular  physi- 
cian more  needful  than  ever.  Hence  it  has  been  argued,  that  pub- 
lications of  this  kind  fail  to  promote  the  plausible  object  of  theii' 
composition,  and  in  reality,  produce  a  mischievous,  and  not  a  benc- 

.  1  n  o  o 

-  I  <L/  M 


viii 


Reco  mm  en  dations. 


ficial  effect.  It  has  even  been  urged  against  them,  that  they  are  of 
no  service  to  any  person  bui  the  wiiter,  who  may  diffuse  his  fame 
and  increase  his  wealth  in  proponion  to  the  circulation  of  his  book, 
and  the  consequent  disturbance  it  works  in  society. 

Whatever  may  be  the  nierits  of  this  controversy  among  those 
who  are  toiling  night  and  day  in  the  service  of  the  infirm  and  dis- 
abled,or  in  the  compilaiion  of  volumes,  for  our  own  parts,  as  review- 
ers, we  feel  favourable  to  the  general  distribution  of  knowledge. 
Wc  are  not  attached  to  monopolies  of  any  kind,  and  less  than  any, 
to  that  which  confines  to  a  particular  order,  the  information  which 
will  teach  man  how  to  prevent  sickness  and  pain,  and  to  remove 
these  ills  when  they  invade.  He  who  publishes  wholesome  precepts 
and  directions,  cannot  be  denied  the  merit  of  good  intention;  and  it 
would  be  hard  to  refuse  him  the  additional  credit  of  having  done 
substantial  good  to  those  who  have  followed  his  advice.  Having  in- 
dulged these  prefatory  reflections,  we  advance  to  the  considera- 
tion of  the  work  before  us. 

The  author  has  prefixed  to  it  a  dedication  to  the  President  of 
the  United  States,  a  preface  explanatory  of  his  design,  and  a  num- 
ber of  recommendatory  epistles  from  his  friends.  Then  follows 
a  chapter  of  preliminary  observations,  of  which  we  were  inclined 
to  offer  an  extract,  for  the  gratification  of  our  readers;  but  our 
limits  forbade. 

The  body  of  the  work  is  devoted  to  the  consideration  of  the 
principal  diseases  which  assail  the  human  frame  at  different  times 
of  life.  They  begin  with  fevers,  and  end  with  rickets;  without, 
however,  observing  any  strict  method  or  nosological  arrangement. 
Each  section  stands  by  itself,  and  has  little  or  no  connexion  with 
the  prcceeding  or  subsequent  matter.  But  a  table  of  contents  and 
index  arc  two  good  keys  to  the  subjects  discussed. 

The  diseases  are  severally  considered  in  short  and  generally  ap- 
propriate terms.  After  a  definition,  the  observations  are  mostly 
comprised  under  the  head  olsymjitojns,  causes^  treatment^  and  rf^/- 
?ncn;  to  which,  in  some  instances,  are  added  paragraphs  on  fire- 
vention.  And  it  is  but  justice  to  observe,  that  the  author  has  mani- 
fested a  careful  and  discriminating  mind  in  condensing  so  much 
valuable  instruction  into  such  a  moderate  compass.  The  senten- 
tious, and,  at  the  same  time,  intelligible  manner  of  conveying  his 
directions,  is  at  once  calculated  to  give  the  reader  a  clear  idea  of 
his  meaning,  and  favourable  opinion  of  his  understanding. 

Besides  the  observations  that  are  strictly  medical,  the  work  con- 
tains a  variety  of  directions  upon  surgical  subjects. 

To  render  his  compilation  more  generally  useful  and  acceptable, 
the  author  has  annexed  to  it  a  Dispensatory.  This  consists  of  two 
parts:  the  first  comprehends  a  table  of  medicines  for  family  use, 
with  their  doses  and  qualities  annexed;  and  the  second  contains  a 
collection  of  receipts  for  the  principal  part  of  the  compound  medi- 
cines recommended  in  the  course  of  the  work.  And  this  part  of  the 
publication  is  executed  in  a  manner  that  justifies  the  opinion  we 
hinted  before,  of  Ur.  Ev>xirs  sagacity  aud  skill.  > 


TO 

HIS  EXCELLENCY 
THOMAS  JEFFERSON, 
PRESIDENT 

OF  THE 

UmTEB  ST.1TES. 


I  BEG  leave  to  present  this  book  to  Mr. 
Jefferson^  not  because  he  is  President  of  1807, 
but  because  he  was  the  patriot  of  1776;  and 
still  more,  because,  through  the  whole  of  a  long 
and  glorious  life,  he  has  been  the  philosopher 
and  friend  of  his  country:  with  all  the  ingenui- 
ty of  the  former,  exposing  the  misrepresenta- 
tions of  illiberal  foreigners;  and  with  all  the  ar- 
dour of  the  latter,  fanning  the  fire  of  American 
science,  and  watering  the  roots  of  that  sacred 
olive  which  sheds  her  peaceful  blessings  over 
our  land. 

To  whom  then,  with  equal  propriety,  could 
1  dedicate  a  boot,  designed  at  least  to  promote 
health  and  longevity?  And  to  wliom  am  I  so 

B 


X  Dedication. 

bound  by  the  tenderest  ties  of  affection  and  gra- 
titude, as  to  Mr.  Jefferson?  The  early  classmate 
and  constant  friend  of  my  deceased  father,  and 
instruraentally  the  author  of  my  acquaintance 
with  the  first  characters  in  the  state  of  Georgia; 
among  whom,  with  peculiar  pleasure,  I  would 
mention  the  honourable  names  of  Milledge, 
Troup,  Bullock,  and  Flournoy. 

That  you  may  long  direct  the  councils  of  a 
united  and  wise  people,  steadily  pursuing  health, 
peace  and  competence,  the  main  pillars  of  indi- 
vidual and  national  happiness,  is  the  fervent 
prayer,  of  your  Excellency's 

Much  obliged,  and 
Very  grateful  servant, 

JAMES  EWELL. 


4 


PREFACE. 


ON  the  important  subject  of  domestic  medicine,  ma- 
ny books  have  been  written,  which,  though  excellent 
in  other  respects,  have  greatly  failed  of  usefulness  to 
Americans;  because  they  treat  of  diseases  which,  ex- 
isting in  \ try  foreign  climates  and  constitutions,  must 
widely  differ  from  ours.  The  book  now  oiFered  to  the 
public  has,  therefore,  the  great  advantage  of  having 
been  written  by  a  native  American,  of  long  and  succes- 
ful  practice  in  these  southern  states,  and  who,  for  years 
past,  has  turned  much  of  his  attention  to  the  composi- 
tion of  it. 

The  professed  object  of  his  book  is  to  treat  in  the 
most  clear  and  concise  manner,  almost  every  disease  to 
which  the  human  body  is  subject — to  give  their  com- 
mon names  and  surest  symptoms — to  point  out  the 
causes  whence  they  originate,  and  the  most  approved 
method  of  treatment — and,  lastly,  to  prescribe  the  suit- 
able regimen  and  means  of  prevention. 

A  publication  like  this,  cannot  but  be  exceedingly  use- 
ful to  all,  and  especially  to  those  who  live  in  the  coun- 
try, or  who  go  to  sea,  where  regular  and  timely  assis- 
tance cannot  always  be  obtained. 

Among  the  many  and  great  services,  which  may  be 
rendered  by  such  a  book,  we  may  fairly  state  its  ten- 
dency to  prevent  that  dangerous  officiousness  of  igno- 


xii 


Preface. 


rant  persons,  as  also,  that  equally  pernicious  neglect  of 
the  patient,  at  the  onset  of  the  disease,  whereby  so  ma- 
ny  lives  are  lost.  These,  with  many  other  evils  result- 
ing from  the  want  of  such  a  work,  constituted  the  mo- 
tives which  first  led  the  author  to  ofter  this  publication 
to  his  countrymen.  It  is  not  for  him  to  determine,  whe- 
ther it  be  happily  executed  or  not;  but  whatever  may 
be  the  general  opinion  as  to  its  merit,  he  has  the  high 
satisfaction  to  know,  that  it  not  only  flows  from  the 
purest  motives,  but  also  contains  a  faithful  relation  of 
facts,  founded  principally  on  his  own  experience;  and 
what  is  not  his  own,  has  been  selected  from  authors  of 
the  greatest  celebrity. 

As  to  language,  he  has  not,  he  confesses,  been  over- 
studious  of  ornament.  Having  made  it  his  prime  ob- 
ject to  convey  instruction,  he  has  employed  the  style 
which  to  him  appeared  the  most  familiar  and  intelligi- 
ble; so  that  in  all  cases  of  disease,  the  patient  might  be 
directed  in  the  plainest  manner  possible  to  the  appro- 
priate remedies. 

The  reader  will  find  in  the  latter  part  of  the  work,  a 
table  of  such  medicines  as  are  almost  constantly  called 
for  in  families,  with  an  adaption  of  the  doses,  accord- 
ing to  the  age  of  the  patient,  together  with  directions 
how  to  prepare  and  administer  them. 

To  have  those  articles  always  in  readiness,  would 
not  only  save  a  great  deal  of  time  and  expense  of  send- 
ing on  every  trivial  occasion  to  a  distant  physician,  but 
must  also  afford  to  a  tender  parent  or  master,  an  infi- 
nite satisfaction,  because  of  the  very  great  advantage  it 
gives  him  over  a  disease  which  he  can  meet  with  a  suit- 
able remedy  at  the  first  moment  of  its  attack.  For  there 
can  be  no  doubt,  that  thousands  have  perished,  not  be^ 
cause  thefc  were  no  remedies,  but  because  these  remc- 


Preface,  xiii 

dies  were  at  such  a  distance,  that  the  patient  was  lost, 
before  they  could  be  brought  to  him. 

It  is  a  well  known  fact,  that  the  hero  of  Stony  Point, 
the  brave  general  Wayne,  after  his  defeat  of  the  In- 
dians on  the  Miami,  was  suddenly  taken  off  by  a  gouty 
spasm  in  the  stomach,  which  might  easily  have  been 
cured,  could  a  single  pint  of  French  brandy  have  been 
procured.  What  numbers  have  died  miserably  of  lock- 
jaw, and  cholera  morbus,  for  lack  of  a  vial  of  laudanum, 
with  proper  directions  to  use  it?  How  many  fond  mo- 
thers have  hung  distracted  over  their  children,  Strang- 
ling  under  the  croups  or  swollen  with  the  poison  of  ser- 
pentSy  when  the  former  might  so  easily  have  been  cured 
by  an  emetic,  and  the  latter  by  caustic  volatile  alkali. 
But  it  were  an  endless  task  to  enumerate  all  the  heart- 
breaking tragedies  that  have  taken  place  in  families, 
merely  for  the  want  of  the  appropriate  remedies,  of  sud- 
den and  alarming  diseases.  It  were  therefore  a  godlike 
act  in  all  persons,  in  tolerable  circumstances,  to  keep  a 
medicine  chest,  not  only  for  the  benefit  of  their  own 
families,  but  also  of  their  sick  and  indigent  neighbours, 
who  often  suffer,  and  sometimes  perish,  for  want  of 
proper  medicines  seasonably  administered. 

As  it  is  impossible  entirely  to  banish  technical  phrases 
when  writing  on  medicine,  the  reader  is  presented  with 
a  Glossary^  explaining  the  medical  and  scientific  terms 
which  have  unavoidably  been  employed  in  this  work. 

To  conclude;  the  author,  animated  by  the  extraordi- 
nary success  of  X\\t  ^'  Medical  Companion^''  has  greatly 
improved  and  enlarged  this  third  edition,  by  adding  a 
synopsis  of  the  anatomy  and  physiology  of  the  human 
body;  essays  on  air,  food,  exercise,  sleep,  evacuations, 
and  passions;  and  a  Materia  Medica  of  the  United 
States.— Aho,  having  been  himself  a  melancholy  spec- 


xiv  Preface, 

tator  of  the  capture  of  Washington  by  the  Bri- 
tish, he  has  annexed  a  concise  and  impartial  history  of 
that  awful  tragedy,  with  sundry  important  hints  relative 
to  those  bilious  and  camp  fevers,  and  dysenteries,  which 
followed  that  great  national  calamity. 

With  these  improvements,  he  flatters  himself  the 
"  Medical  Companion"  will  not  fail  to  be  far  more  ac- 
ceptable to  his  fellow-citizens;  and  under  this  pleasing 
impression,  he  submits  it  to  their  generous  patronage. 


TABLE  OF  CONTENTS. 


page 

ADMONITORY  hints  to  ladies  445 

Apoplectic  fits       ...  352 

Asthma      ....  368 

Bites  of  Musquitoes       -       -  406 

 venomous  animals      -  407 

Bleeding-  at  the  nose       -       -  342 

Blood-letting       -       -       -  440 

Capture  of  Washington       -  661 

Chicken^  or  swine  pox    -       -  340 

Chilblains    -       -       -       -  410 

Cholera  morbus     ...  375 

Cold  -  -  -  -  301 
Collection  and  preservation  of 

vegetable  substances       -  627 

Colic   372 

Common  ulcers   ...  419 

Consumption          ...  544 

Convulsive  fits     -       -       -  485 

Costiveness  and  wind     -       -  480 

Cramp        .      -      .       -  864 

Croup,  or  hives       ...  488 

Deafness    ....  328 

Diarrhoea,  or  looseness    -       -  376 

Discharge  from  the  vagina  483 
Diseases  of  children  requiring 

external  treatment  -  -  473 
Diseases  of  children  requiring 

medical  treatment       -       -  477 

Dislocations        •       .       -  430 

Dislocation  of  the  jaw    -       -  432 

 of  the  shoulder       -  ibid 

  of  the  elbow       -       -  433 

— ^  of  the  thigh     -       -  454 

Dispensatory          ...  639 

Dropsy       ....  373 

Dysentery      ....  350 

Earach  ....  337 
Epidemic       .       -       -  -318 

Epileptic  fits       -       -       .  354 

Eruptions  of  the  skin      -       .  394 

Fainting  fits        ...  355 

Falling  of  the  palate       -       -  311 

Fevers  in  general        .       -  271 
Intermittent,  or  ague  and  fever  274 


Nervous  fever         -      -  290 
Remittent,  or  bilious  fever  280 
Fracture  of  the  ribs       -       -  439 

Gleet 
Glossary 
Gonorrhoea 
Gout 

Guinea  worm 
Heudach 

Hernia,  or  rupture 
Heartburn 
Hiccup, 

Hooping  Cough 
Hydrophobia 

Hygieixe,  or  the  art  of  pr 
serving  health 
Of  Air 

Food 

Exercise 

Sleep  - 

Evacuations 
Of  the  Passions 

Love 

Hope  - 

Jov 

Grief  - 
Fear 
Anger 
Hatred  - 
Envy 

Avarice  - 

Intemperance 

Vanity 

Modesty 

Dress 

Cleanliness 

Patriotism 

Religion 
Hypochondriac  disease 
Hysteric  fits 

Incontinence  of  urine  -  .  347 
Indigestion,  or  weakness  of  the 

stomach  -  370 
Infantile  jaundice  -  -  473 
inflammation  of  the  bladder  -  326 
 of  the  intestines       -  324 


xvi 


Contents, 


Inflammation  of  the  kidiiies    -  325 


 of  tlie  liver      -       -  320 

 of  the  stomach    -       -  322 

Injuries  of  the  head,  and  frac- 
tures of  the  limbs        -       -  436 
Intoxication        -       -       -  402 

Issues   443 

Itch   396 

Jaundice         ....  399 


Looseness,  or  cholera  infantum  481 


Management  of  chlld-bed       -  464 

 of  infants         -       -  4G8 

Materia  Meuica       -       -  493 

Measles       -  339 

Menstruation         ...  44" 

Mortification       -       -       -  428 

Mumps   311 


Night  mare         -  368 

Obstruction  of  urine       -       -  387 

Palpitation  of  the  heart       -  366 

Palsy   358 

Peripneumony,  or  inflammation 

of  the  lungs  -  -  -  317 
Phrensv,  or  inflammation  of  the 

brain       -       -       -       -  299 

Piles   349 

Pleurisy      .       -       -       -  314 

Poisons          ....  405 

Pox   388 

Pregnancy      ....  450 

Preliminary  observations     -  17 

Progress  of  labour  -  -  456 
Prolapsus  ani,  or  falling  of  the 

fundament       -       -       -  414 

Putrid  sore  throat   -       -       -  307 

Qjiinsy,  or  inflammatory  sore 

throat      -      -       .       .  304 


Recovering  persons  apparently 

drowned     ....  404 
Recovering  persons  apparently 
killed  by  lightning  or  noxious 

vapours       ....  405 

Red  gum     ...       -  479 

Rheumatism  -      -       -  330 

Rickets       ....  492 

Saint  Anthony's  fire       -       -  341 

Scalds  and  burns         -       -  411 

Scirrhus,  or  cancer         -       -  417 

Scrofula,  or  king's  evil        .  398 

Scurvy  -       -       -       -  393 

Sea  sickness       -       .       .  402 

Seminal  weakness  -       -       -  387 

Small-pox  ....  337 

Snuffles   478 

Sore  eyes    -       -       .       -  3 12 

Spitting  of  blood     -       -       -  343 

Sprains  and  bruises  -  -  430 
Structure  of  the  human  machine  29 
Suppression  and  difficulty  of 

urine       .       •       -       .  348 

Swallowing  of  pins         -       -  409 

Table  of  medicines  for  family  use  632 

Teething        ....  486 

Tetany,  or  locked  jaw         -  365 

Tetter,  or  ring-worm  -  397 

Thrush  ....  480 

Tinea,  or  scald-head    -       -  397 

Tooth ach       -       -     '  -       -  329 

Tumours,  or  boils        -       -  416 

Vaccine  disease,  or  cow-pox  -  333 

Venereal  disease         -       -  384 

Warts  and  corns     -       -       -  415 

Watery  head       ...  486 

White  swelling       ...  400 

Whitlow     ....  415 

Worms  ....  484 

Wounds      ...       -  422 


PRELIMINARY  OBSERVATIONS. 


Contemplating  the  numberless  diseases  to 
^vhich  man  is  liable,  and  which  may  cause  him  to  drag 
out  a  protracted  life  of  distress,  or  suddenly  to  cut  him 
off  in  the  bloom  of  his  existence  and  amidst  his  useful- 
ness, we  must  adore  that  divine  Excellence  which  has 
given  us  m  medicine  the  means  of  counteracting  those 
dreadful  evils. 

As  might  have  been  expected,  the  attention  paid  to 
an  art,  which  rises  in  importance  over  all  others,  has 
ever  kept  pace  with  the  general  progress  of  intellectual 
improvement,  and  it  has  received  the  respect  and  en- 
couragement of  every  enlightened  people. 

With  the  Greeks,  especially,  the  wisest  and  most  po- 
lished of  all  the  ancient  nations,  medicine  was  held  in  the 
highest  estimation.  Its  votaries  were  cherished  and  rever- 
ed by  them  w^hile  living,  and  in  some  instances  they  car- 
ried their  enthusiasm  so  far  as  to  deify  them  after  death. 
It  is  not  indeed  easy  to  conceive  a  more  noble  character, 
than  a  great  and  amiable  practitioner  of  medicine,  one 
who  has  expanded  his  mind  to  the  utmost  extent  by  the 
brilliant  attainments  of  science,  and  mellowed  the  dis- 
positions of  his  heart  by  the  habitual  exercise  of  bene- 
volence towards  the  afflicted  objects  of  his  care.  How 
exemplary  are  Physicians  of  this  description?  Such  was 
Hippocrates,  the  father  of  medicine.  Such  was  the  pious, 
the  enlightened  Sydenham.  Such  was  the  benevolent 
Jones  of  Savannah.  Such  is  that  *'  brilliant  star,"  the  en- 

C 


18  FreUmina7'ij  Obseiuations, 

lightened  Rush;  and  such  are 'many  others  who  have 
emulated  their  virtues  and  rivalled  their  fame;  among 
whom,  I  have  the  high  satisfaction  to  enumerate  of  my 
particular  friends,  Craik  of  Alexandria,  Weems  of 
Georgetown,  Stevenson  of  Baltimore,  and  Chapman  of 
Philadelphia. 

Bui  unhappily,  all  those  who  profess  our  art  do  not 
resemble  those  bright  examples.  Medicine  more  than 
any  other  good  thing,  is  subject  to  abuse  and  debase- 
ment, by  the  sordid  and  mischievous  **  tricks  and  de- 
vices"  of  empiricism.  Like  noxious  weeds  these  impos^ 
tors  rise  up  at  first,  from  the  rank  soil  of  their  own  ef- 
frontery; but  they  owe  much  of  their  subsequent  growth 
to  the  protection  which  they  derive  from  the  want  of 
that  information  widely  diffused,  which  would  at  once 
detect,  and  "  laugh  into  scorn"  their  idle  claims,  and 
arraign  to  conviction  their  dangerous  tendencies.  They 
live  but  by  tolerance.  The  sliglitest  examination  of  their 
pretensions,  would  drive  the  herd  into  their  holes  and 
hiding  places,  and  consign  their  wideJij  spread fame  to 
utter  oblivion. 

It  is  strange,  *'  it  is  passing  strange,"  that  so  little 
popular  curiosity  prevails  with  regard  to  medicine,  par- 
ticularly when  the  public  mind  is  so  actively  alive  to 
subjects  certainly  of  less  moment.  Talk  to  the  generality 
of  mankind  about  property  ^x\^  you  would  suppose  they 
were  all  lawyers^  they  reason  so  sensibly  on  the  various 
points  of  meum  et  tuum.  But  touch  them  about  that 
which  is  of  more  worth  than  all  property,  1  mean  health, 
and  they  are  as  silent  as  niutts.  Did  not  experience 
evince  the  fact,  we  should  lliink  it  impossible  that  in 
things  of  such  high  concern,  men  could  be  so  prepos- 
terously deceived!  so  careful  of  the  dross,  and  yet  so 
negligent  of  the  gold. 

What  can  be  more  deeply  interesting  than  the  inves- 
tigation of  that  beautiful  organization  which  has,  em- 
phatically, been  pronounced  God's  master  work?" 
What  more  important  than  acquiring  the  knowledge  of 
preserving  this  admirable  mechanism?  And  what  more 
pleasant  and  useful  than  to  investigate  the  medical  plants- 


Preliminary  Obscrvat'iom, 


19 


of  our  extensive  country,  wherel)y  we  may  remedy  those 
painful  maladies  which  assail  the  human  frame? 

Half  the  attention  and  the  time  which  is  devoted  to 
the  minor  politics  arising  out  of  our  party  dissentions, 
assisted  by  very  little  of  that  overboiling  zeal  that  is 
given  to  the  acquisition  of  property,  would,  if  appropria- 
ted to  medical  studies,  enable  any  person  of  tolerable  ca- 
pacity to  practice  with  safety  and  advantage  in  those 
cases  of  simple  disease,  ^vhich  are  most  incident  to  our 
climate,  and  to  detemine  between  the  ^'arrant  Quack" 
and  the  modest,  well-educated,  and  judicious  physician. 

Assuredly,  some  care  might  be  profitably  directed  to 
medicine.  Why  will  not  the  intelligent  citizens  who  are 
scattered  throughout  the  country,  dedicate  a  part  of 
their  *'  liberal  leisure"  to  it?  Of  all  the  sciences  it  is  the 
most  inviting,  and  that  which  opens  the  largest  treasures 
to  its  cultivators.  No  one  can  lend  his  mind  to  it  with- 
out receiving  usurious  interest."  iMedicine  is  the  di- 
gest of  human  knowledge.  It  is  the  great  reservoir  into 
which  every  stream  of  science  pours  its  tribute,  which 
in  return  spread  its  fertilizing  water  over  every  field 
that  brings  forth  its    ripe  and  abundant  harvest." 

The  want  of  a  popular  medical  education,  we  have 
remarked,  promotes  the  success  of  Empirics.  To  what 
else  can  the  amazing  increase  of  these  creatures  be  as- 
cribed. Would  they  dare  to  quit  the  shades  of  their 
native  insignificance,  if  they  thought  they  were  to  en- 
counter the  blaze  of  criticism,  or  to  be  inspected  and 
scrutinized  by  the  torch  of  truth?  No:  the  terrors  of 
such  a  process,  were  it  practised,/WOuld  exterminate  the 
race,  or  leave  to  them  only  a  beggarly  account  of 
empty  boxes." 

We  repeat  that  Empirics  are  nurtured  and  sustained 
exclusively  by  the  prejudices  of  mankind  in  their  fa- 
vour, arising  from  their  inability  to  judge  rightly  of 
their  merits.  For  can  it  be  presumed  that  any  one,  who 
is  at  all  acquainted  with  the  subject,  would  repose  the 
slightest  confidence  in  the  nostrums  of  the  most  stupid, 
illiterate,  dishonest,  and  vagrant  of  society,  who  are 
confessedly  destitute  of  even  the  elements,  the  mere  al- 
phabet of  medicine. 


20 


Freliminary  Observations. 


Who  can  believe,  that  these  nostrums^  as  is  generally 
asserted  by  their  proprietors,  are  applicable  equally  to  a 
variety  of  diseases,  as  opposite  to  each  other  as  the 
poles,  and  that  too,  under  every  difference  of  age,  con- 
stitution, temperament,  habit,  season,  and  climate? 

Is  it  to  be  credited  that  skill  can  be  possessed  in  a 
profession  the  most  complex,  without  any  preparatory 
devotion  to  it?  Reason  and  experience  combine  to  as- 
sert the  impossibility. 

The  powers  of  eloquence  or  poetry,  may  be  an  inhe- 
ritance; but,  medicine  is  not  intuitive.  Whoever  ac- 
quires it,  that  is,  that  thorough  knowledge  of  it,  which 
confers  surpassing  skill,"  must  undergo  a  slow,  toil- 
some and  arduous  probation. 

Its  temple  is  raised  on  the  summit  of  the  loftiest  emi- 
nence, and  the  path  which  leads  to  it,  winds  in  tedious 
tortuosity,  narrow,  intricate  and  perplexed;  but  strewed, 
at  its  different  stages,  with  flowers  to  tempt,  and  hung 
at  its  termination  with  fruits  to  reward.  Few,  very  few, 
have  ever  reached  it.  The  majority  of  those  who  set  out 
on  the  enterprise  become  soon  discouraged,  and  either 
linger  by  the  way,  or  are  lost  in  its  mazes. 

The  energies  of  genius,  assisted  by  unwearied  dili- 
gence, can  only  hope  to  surmount  the  difficulties  and  to 
gain  the  prize. 

But  candour  must  still  allow  that  the  Empiric  strength- 
ens, in  some  degree,  his  credit  with  the  public,  by  some- 
times performing  great  and  imposing  cures.  Such  in- 
stances, however,  of  occasional  success,  bring  with 
them  no  solid  claims  to  confidence.  They  are  indeed 
calculated  to  excite  distrust  when  properly  viewed. 
Their  cures,  which  are  admitted  to  be  few,  are  alone 
registered  and  promulgated.  Nothing  is  ever  said  of 
the  failures  or  the  deaths  produced.  No  regular  and  im- 
partial  account  is  kept,  nor  any  striking  adjustment  of 
balances.  But,  what  must  really  be  the  fatality  of  a  prac- 
tice conducted  in  a  way  so  rash  and  indiscriminate,  with- 
out the  guide  of  either  principle  or  experience?  The 
nostrums  employed  are  uniformly  composed  of  ingre- 
dients of  the  greatest  activity,  principally  of  the  mine- 


Freliminary  Observations,  21 

ral  poisons,  as  arsenic,  corrosive  sublimate,  calomel^  &c. 
and  which  can  never  be  neutral  in  their  operations. 
Whenever  administered  they  assume  a  side  in  the  pend- 
ing contest,  and  exert  all  their  might  either  for  the  pa- 
tient or  the  disease,  till  one  or  the  other  yields. 

The  preceding  is  a  faithful  picture  of  Empiricism — 
of  its  swaggering  pretensions;  of  its  danger,  and  its  un- 
certainties; a  plain  and  unvarnished  tale,  in  which 
nought  is  extenuated  or  set  down  in  malice." 

But  with  the  too  prevalent  inclination  for  nostrums, 
we  regret  the  strange  aversion  that  exists  and  which  pro- 
ceeds from  the  same  neglect  of  medicine,  to  some  of 
the  most  efficacious  remedies.  Tartar  is  denounced  as 
a  Qtxi^nnKl^stroyer  of  the  stomach;  mercury,  because  it 
lodges  in  the  bones;  arsenic,  as  rancorously  poisonous, 
&c.  Sec.  Thus  are  those  powerful  and  salutary  agents, 
when  in  the  hands  of  a  judicious  Physician,  stigmatized 
by  the  false  views  of  vulgar  prejudice.  It  has  been  wise- 
ly and  truly  declared  by  high  authority,  *'  that  all  me- 
dicines in  large  doses  are  poisons,  and  that  poisons  in 
small  doses  are  the  best  medicines."  This  is  no  paradox. 
The  efficacy  of  a  remedy  must  be  proportioned  to  its 
force,  provided  it  be  administered  with  discretion,  and 
its  operation  properly  restrained.  On  the  contrary,  the 
weakest  medicine  becomes  poisonous  when  given  in  an 
undue  quantity. 

In  the  use  of  medicines  we  should  be  careful  to  adapt 
them  to  the  nature  of  the  disease,  and  the  condition  of 
the  patient's  system  at  the  time.  For  the  salutary  pro- 
perties of  a  remedy  are  not  positive,  but  entirely  rela- 
tive to  the  peculiar  circumstances  of  the  case. 

A  remedy,  therefore,  may  do  harm,  or  prove  benefit 
cial,  according  to  the  degree  of  judgment  exercised  in 
its  employment.  This  position  might  easily  be  illustrat- 
ed and  enforced  by  a  variety  of  examples.  We  shall 
mention,  however,  only  a  few  that  are  most  pertinent. 

What  then  is  more  sanative  in  its  effects  than  the  Pe- 
ruvian bark  in  the  treatment  of  intermittent  fever  or 
gangrene;  or  more  deleterious  if  given  in  an  excited 
system?  Where  is  there  a  readier  cleanser  of  a  foul 


22 


Preliminary  Observations, 


stomach  than  emetics?  yet,  in  inflammations  of  that 
organ,  nothing  would  prove  so  pernicious.  The  same 
remark  appHes  to  cathartics,  **  nature's  scavengers  of  a 
gorged  aiimentary  canaL" 

With  regard  to  the  lancet:  What  could  we  do  with- 
out it?  Hovv  quell  those  dreadful  insurrections  of 
acute  disease  which  every  where  ravage  our  country? 
But  indispensable  as  it  is  in  such  cases,  yet  there  is, 
perhaps,  no  remedy,  which  is  more  mischievous  when 
wrongly  applied. 

W'ho  has  not  experienced  the  soothing  restorative 
operation  of  opium,  that  divine  medicine,  which  has  not 
with  too  much  force  been  called,  magnum  Dei  do- 
num,"  [the great  gift  of  God;)  and  who  has*ntt  known 
its  demoniacal  influence  when  imprudently  employed? 

In  this  way  we  might  proceed  through  every  class  of 
the  Materia  Medica,  deriving  proofs  to  fortify  our  rea- 
soning, and  to  warn  us  of  the  danger  of  abusing  reme- 
dies. Enough,  however,  has  been  said:  we  trust  the 
admonition  will  not  be  neglected. 

To  adopt  and  to  accommodate,  as  we  have  indicated, 
the  various  medicines  of  which  we  are  possessed,  is  the 
secret  of  successful  practice,  and  constitutes  the  v/ide 
difference  between  the  discriminating  physician  and 
empiric, 

i'he  practice  of  tlie  one  is  governed  by  principles 
slowly  and  cauiiously  deduced  from  the  contributions  of 
long  experience  and  diversilied  observations;  and  that 
of  the  other  is  the  result  of  daring  experiment,  sanction- 
ed only  by  the  chances  and  calculations  of  the  lottery. 
In  the  revolutions  of  the  wheel,  and  amidst  a  thousand 
blanks,  a  prize  will  come  out!  Thus,  an  important  cure 
bv  an  Empiric,  like  an  enormous  prize,  seizes  public  at- 
tention, and  is  bounded  abroad  by  the  clarion  of  flime," 
while  the  evidence  of  the  murderous  practice,  like  the 
blanks  of  the  lottery,  are  hushed  in  silence  or  buried  in 
forgetfulness. 

It  may  be  proper  to  observe  here,  that  in  using  all 
active  medicines,  Ave  should  begin  with  the  smallest  do- 
ses, increasing  them  gradually,  until  the  quantity  suited 


Preliminary  Observations, 


23 


to  the  strength  of  the  constitution  is  discovered.  For 
there  are  instances  of  constitutions  on  which  one  fourth, 
and  even  one  tenth,  of  what  would  not  affect  others,  will 
act  powerfully. 

As  the  system  speedily  acconnmodates  itself  to  the  ac- 
tion of  medicines,  we  should  never  continue  one  medi- 
cine too  long  at  a  time.  When  we  find  it  is  losing  its  ef- 
ficacy, it  should  be  changed  for  some  other  of  the  same 
class,  and  after  a  short  interval  the  patient  may,  if  he 
choose,  return  to  his  first  medicine.  By  thus  varying  the 
remedies,  as  the  system  becomes  accustomed  to  their 
action,  we  shall  be  enabled  to  cure  diseases  which  other- 
wise would  not  have  yielded;  as  in  obstinate  intermit- 
tents,  where  I  have  frequently  employed  the  bark  with- 
out effect:  but  on  changing  it  for  either  the  solution  of 
arsenic,  or  vitriolic  pills,*  a  cure  has  generally  taken 
place,  and  when  it  did  not,  by  exciting  a  slight  mercu- 
rial action  in  the  system  and  immediately  following  it 
with  one  or  the  other  of  the  above  medicines,  I  have 
pretty  constantly  succeeded.  On  this  account  medicines 
should  never  be  made  too  free  with,  as  preventives  of 
disease,  unless  there  be  evidently  a  morbid  predisposi- 
tion lurking  in  the  system:  for  by  thus  wantonly  fami- 
liarizing ourselves  to  medicine  when  there  exists  no 
necessity  for  it,  we  shall  stand  a  very  good  chance  to  be 
disappointed  of  its  proper  effects,  in  the  season  of  our 
need. 

Bitters,  those  especially  that  are  made  with  spirits, 
like  other  cordials,  have  no  doubt  their  use  at  times,  as 
in  damp  weather  which  hangs  so  heavily  on  the  springs 
of  life.  But  to  use  them  or  mint  slings,  or  drams^  as 
some  do  every  morning,  even  the  briglitest,  when  dumb 
nature  herself  is  smiling  and  every  bird  and  beast  is  ut- 
tering its  artless  joy,  is  a  species  of  suicide.  It  is  a  most 
wicked  attempt  to  substitute  artificial  and  false  joys  in 
place  of  those  that  are  moi^t  pure  and  natural.  But  such 
an  impious  fighting  against  God  and  Nature,  generally 
turns  out  as  might  be  expected.  These  wretched  self- 
destroyers  seldom  live  out  half  their  days.  For  the  same 
*  Vid.  Dispensatory. 


24 


Preliminary  Observations, 


delightful  exhilaration  which  ont-  antifogmatic  produced 
last  year,  requires  two  this  year,  and  in  that  increase, 
till  the  habit  of  intemperate  drinking  is  confirmed.  How 
melancholy  it  is  that  rational  beings  should  act  so  madly, 
and  that  the  all  bountiful  Creator  cannot  intrust  us  with 
his  good  things,  without  our  shameful  abuse  of  them! 
Thus  it  is,  that  men  turn  into  poisons  those  pleasant 
beverages  that  were  given  for  cordials  to  raise  their  de- 
pressed spirits,  to  invigorate  their  flaccid  nerves,  and  to 
enal)le  nature  to  repel  the  various  attacks  of  a  humid  or 
infected  atmosphere. 

Among  the  many  remedies  of  disease,  there  is  none 
perhaps,  that  holds  a  higher  place  than  the  bath,  in  its 
diflTerent  forms.  The  cold  bath,  by  its  sudden  shock,  is 
peculiarly  fitted  to  invigorate  the  system  and  to  re-ani- 
mate its  circulations  and  secretions.  Hence  its  acknow- 
ledged reputation  in  all  cases  of  weak  and  relaxed  ha- 
bits, particularly  those  of  the  studious  and  sedentary. 

It  ought  however  to  be  remembered,  that  like  every 
other  remedy,  it  belongs  but  to  one  set  of  diseases.  In 
affections  of  the  viscera,  obstructions  and  inflammations, 
it  is  hurtful.  If  after  leaving  the  bath,  the  patient  do  not 
feel  a  kindly  glow  on  the  surface,  he  has  good  cause  to 
fear  that  the  angel  of  health  was  not  there  before  him 
"  to  move  the  waters.''''  On  going  into  the  plunging  bath, 
as  it  is  call,  d,  it  were  better  to  dash  in  at  once  head 
foremost.  The  shock  in  this  way  is  more  instantaneous 
and  the  distribution  of  the  blood  more  salutary  than 
when  it  is  driven,  as  by  wetting  the  feet  first,  from  the 
extremities  to  the  head.  It  is  on  this  principle  that  the 
shower  bath  possesses  advantages  superior  to  the  piling- 
ing.  Immediately  on  coming  out  of  the  bath  the  body 
should  be  rubbed  dry  with  flannel  or  coarse  cloths,  and 
moderate  exercise  taken. 

Besides  the  advantages  of  general  cold  bathing,  its 
partial  use  is  no  less  salutary  in  all  cases  of  local  action. 
In  periodical  headach,  and  indeed  in  most  complaints  of 
the  head,  the  aflfusion  of  cold  water,  though  a  simple,  is 
a  very  eflfectual  remedy. 

If  persons  subject  to  the  quinsey  and  sore  throat,  in- 


Preliminary  Observations,  25 

stead  of  muffling  their  necks,  would  bathe  them  two  or 
three  times  a  day  in  cold  water,  they  would  find  their 
account  in  it.  When  the  healthy  resort  to  the  cold  bath, 
on  account  of  its  purifying  and  pleasant  effects,  they  may 
continue  in  it  for  some  time.  But  to  strengthen  and  give 
elasticity  to  the  solids,  every  thing  depends  upon  the  sud- 
den shock.  The  time  of  day  for  bathing  is  a  matter  of 
indifference,  provided  it  be  not  immediately  after  a  full 
stomach,  and  when  the  body  is  warm  and  in  a  state  of 
free  perspiration. 

The  warm  badi,  which  is  about  the  temperature  of  the 
blood,  has  nearly  all  the  advantages  of  the  cold  bath, 
without  being  liable  to  so  many  objections.  Some  in- 
deed tell  us,  that  it  weakens  the  body,  but  so  far  from 
doing  so,  it  may  justly  be  considered  as  one  of  the  most 
powerful  and  universal  restoratives  with  which  we  are 
acquainted.  Instead  of  heating,  it  cools  the  body,  dimi- 
nishes the  pulse,  and  takes  off  its  unnatural  quickness, 
according  to  the  length  of  time  the  bath  is  continued. 
Hence  tepid  baths  are  of  great  service,  when  the  body 
has  been  overheated,  from  whatever  cause,  whether  by 
severe  bodily  or  mental  exercise.  In  all  these  cases,  its 
happily  composing  and  recuperative  virtues,  seem  to  be 
owing  to  its  tendency  to  promote  perspiration,  and  to 
relax  spasm. 

Warm  bathing,  hardly  can  be  sufficiently  commend- 
ed for  its  sovereign  effects  in  promoting  cleanliness,  and 
consequently  for  curing  all  diseases  of  obstructed  per- 
spiration from  foul  skin. 

It  is  much  to  be  lamented  that  so  many  poor  children 
should  be  made  the  victims  of  their  parents'  laziness, 
and  neglect  of  this  most  sweet  and  and  healthful  virtue, 
cleanliness.  For  would  they  devote  a  little  of  their 
mispent  time  and  money  to  the  more  decent  clothing  and 
frequent  washing  of  their  children,  there  could  be  no 
doubt  that  those  little  innocents  would  enjoy  ten  thou- 
sand times  more  comfort  than  they  can  possibly  expect 
while  covered  with  filth,  and  tortured  with  scald-heads, 
blotches,  itch,  and  vermin.  In  fine,  having  seen  the 
fatal  termination  of  so  many  diseases,  in  my  opinion,  ea- 

D 


26 


Preliminary  Observations. 


sily  curable  by  the  bath,  I  cannot  dismiss  this  impor- 
tant s'lbject  without  earnestly  recommending  it  to  every 
gentleman  to  provide  for  his  family  the  convenience 
of  bathing,  as  being  not  only  one  of  the  greatest  luxu- 
ries, but  the  best  preservatives  of  health  in  tliese  warm 
climates. 

Not  only  is  it  essential  to  health,  thus  luxuriously  to 
refresh  the  person  by  bathing  and  washing  off  the  im- 
purities of  the  skin,  but  an  equal  solicitude  should  exist 
to  remove  all  filth  out  of  ihe  chambers  of  the  sick,  and 
frequently  to  change  their  linen  and  bed  clothes,  which 
when  saturated  with  foetid  perspirable  matter,  must 
prove  extremely  unpleasant  and  hurtful  to  the  patient. 

And  here  1  cannot  but  breath  the  most  fervent  wish 
that  my  numerous  friends,  the  Planters,  for  whose  ser- 
vice chiefly  this  book  is  intended,  would  be  persuaded 
to  insist  more  rigorously  on  cleanliness  in  the  persons 
of  their  slaves.  That  the  constitution  of  the  African  is 
more  firm  than  ours,  and  better  fitted  to  sustain  the  toils 
of  warm  climates,  is  very  certain;  but  it  is  equally  true 
that  his  daily  labours,  vv  ith  the  sudden  changes  of  wea- 
ther, often  put  his  constitution,  good  as  it  may  be,  to 
trials,  which  loudly  call  for  every  aid  that  humanity  can 
possibly  afford  him.  Of  these  aids,  next  to  plenty  of 
wholesome  food,  cleanliness  is  one  of  the  greatest.  It  is 
indeed,  a  medicine  both  of  body  and  mind.  The  poor- 
est slave,  however  degraded  his  condition  may  be,  has 
still  left  a  portion  of  mind,  which  can  never  be  totally 
insensible  to  his  outward  appearance.  Cover  him  with 
rags  and  filth,  and  you  not  only  injure  his  body  by  ob- 
structing perspiration  and  corrupting  the  fluids,  but  you 
attack  him  in  his  mind:  knowing  that  he  appears  vile 
and  loathsome  to  others,  he  becomes  much  more  so  to 
himself.  This  idea  embitters  reflection,  depresses  his 
spirits,  and  in  conjunction  with  other  causes,  often 
brings  on  diseases  which  press  him  to  an  untimely  grave. 
Whereas  by  ordering  him  frequently  to  bathe,  and  by 
affording  him  three  changes  of  apparel,  of  which  he 
could  always  have  one  clean,  you  would  greatly  refresh 
and  comfort  him  both  in  mind  and  body.  Thinking  that 


Preliminary  Observations. 


27 


he  makes  a  decent  appearance  in  the  eyes  of  others,  he 
becomes  well  pleased  with  himself,  and  looking  on  his 
new  habit,  however  cheap  and  simple,  as  an  evidence  of 
his  master's  affection  and  value  foi  him,  he  feels  at  once 
the  touch  of  an  honest  pride  in  himself,  and  of  friend- 
ship for  his  r/^aster,  which  lightens  his  task  and  sweet- 
ens all  his  toils. 

But,  if  cleanliness  be  of  such  importance  to  the  health- 
ful, how  much  more  so  to  the  sick  slave.  When  sinking; 
under  the  heat  and  burden  of  his  labours,  can  it  be  good 
policy  to  suffer  him  to  be  put  like  a  mere  animal  into  a 
narrow  dirty  cabin;  there  left,  with  scarcely  a  child  to 
hand  him  a  cup  of  cold  water,'''*  with  no  food  but  dry 
bread,  and  breathing  the  foetid  atmosphere  of  a  sultry, 
filthy  habitation!  In  such  circumstances,  what  but  a  mi- 
racle can  save  him  from  destruction? 

Having  been  frequently  an  eye  witness  of  such  scenes, 
(of  which  the  owner  himself  was,  perhaps,  ignorant,)  I 
feel  it  my  duty  to  advise  him  not  only  for  humanity,  but 
interest  sake,  to  erect  for  his  slaves,  especially  if  he  have 
many,  a  cheap,  coarse  kind  of  building  as  an  hospital. 
This  building  should  be  fixed  on  some  spot,  enjoying 
in  the  highest  degree,  the  double  advantage  of  good  wa- 
ter and  air.  It  ought  to  consist  of  but  one  large  room 
quite  open  to  the  top,  well  aired  by  doors  and  windows, 
and  with  a  plank  floor,  that  it  may  be  frequently  washed 
and  kept  perfectly  clean.  Some  good  tempered  notable 
old  woman  of  the  family,  should  be  appointed  to  attend 
the  sick  and  supply  the  proper  nourishment.  In  this 
cheap  and  simple  way,  many  a  valuable  slave  might, 
we  are  certain,  be  saved  to  his  owner,  which  alone  were 
an  ample  reward,  without  counting  the  present  comfort 
of  such  humanity,  or  the  future  blessings  of  Him,  who 
has  promised,  that  "  every  act  of  love,  even  to  the  poor- 
est slave,  shall  be  remembered  as  if  done  to  himself." 
To  the  truly  wonderful  effects  of  this  regimen,  em- 
bracing cleanliness,  fresh  air,  good  nursing  and  diet,  I, 
myself,  can  bear  the  most  public  and  unequivocal  tes- 
timony. 

In  the  year  1805,  when  our  Summer  and  Autumnal 


28 


Preliminary  Observatiofis. 


fever  raged  with  uncommon  violence  and  mortality  in 
Savannah,  having  considerable  practice  among  the  ship- 
ping, I  was  induced,  chiefly  from  motives  of  humanity, 
to  open  a  private  hospital  for  Seamen.  And  though  I 
had  usually  from  twenty  to  thirty  patients  during  the 
sickly  season,  1  lost  but  one  of  all  who  Ifad  been  taken 
into  the  hospital  at  an  early  stage  of  the  disease.  This 
extraordinary  success,  I  ascribe  in  a  great  measure  to 
the  virtues  of  the  regimen  above  recommended.  And  in 
support  of  this  reasoning,  I  will  venture  to  assert,  that 
hardly  an  instaiice  can  be  quoted  of  the  recovery  of  sea- 
men when  lelt  negiected,  or  badly  attended  in  the  con- 
fined boarding-rooms,  or  steerages  of  the  ships  where 
they  were  attacked. 

The  very  happy  result  of  the  little  Hospital  system 
above  stated,  cannot  but  excite  the  most  earnest  wish 
for  a  similar  establishment  in  Savannah,  but  on  a  much 
larger  scale.  Such  an  institution  could  not  fail  to  prove 
a  great  blessing  to  the  state,  but  more  so  to  Savannah, 
where  such  numbers  of  useful  citizens,  especially  sea- 
men, are  annually  swept  off. 

It  affords  me  pleasure  to  state,  that  since  the  appear- 
ance of  this  friendly  hint,  in  the  first  edition  of  this  work, 
the  humane  citizens  of  Savannah,  have  actually  estab- 
lished an  Hospital  as  above,  and  have  found  it  abundantly 
productive  of  the  good  effects  predicted.  Fortunate 
would  it  be,  if  similar  institutions  were  erected  in  all  our 
seaports.  In  addition  to  the  softer  whispers  of  humaniti/i 
gratitude  now  lifts  her  louder  voice  to  the  nation,  and 
surely  our  gallant  sailors,  principally  the  objects  of  such 
hospitals,  have  given  glorious  proofs  in  the  late  awful 
contest,  that  they  deserve  every  mark  of  attention  that 
a  great  nation  in  the  plenitude  of  munificence  can  be- 
stow. 


OF  THE  STRUCTURE 

OF  THE 

HUMAN  MACHINE. 


How  poor,  how  rich,  how  abject,  how  august. 

How  complicate,  how  wonderful  is  man! 

How  passin,^  wonder  He  who  made  him  such! 

Who  center'd  in  our  make  such  strange  extremes! 

From  different  natures,  marvellously  mixed! 

An  heir  of  glory!  a  frail  child  of  dust! 

Helpless  immortal!  insect  infinite! 

A  worm!  a  God! — I  tremble  at  myself, 

And  in  myself  am  lost. 

Young. 

*'  I  am  fearfully  and  wonderfully  made,  O  Lord,^^  ex- 
claimed  David  on  surveying  the  admirable  mechanism 
of  his  own  frame.  Indeed  so  complicated  and  curious 
is  the  structure  of  this  fabric,  which  has  justly  been 
termed  the  master-piece  of  God's  works,"  that  no 
person  who  contemplates  it,  can  possibly  avoid  joining 
with  the  pious  Psalmist. 

That  illustrious  physician  of  antiquity,  Galen,  is  re- 
ported in  his  youth  to  have  been  a  Sceptic,  but  on  wit- 
nessing a  dissection,  and  examining  the  mechanism  of 
the  human  body,  the  divine  wisdom  and  design  run- 
ning through  all  its  parts,  he  was  struck  with  such  a 
sense  of  the  great  Architect,  that  he  immediately  be- 


30 


Of  the  Structure  of 


came  a  convert,  and  during  his  life  devoted  himself  to 
the  worship  of  the  Deiiy  with  all  the  fervour  becoming 
an  enlightened  and  grateful  mind.  Having  himself,  hap- 
pily caught  the  first  spark  of  Divine  light  from  a  sur- 
vey of  this  wonderful  machine,  he  earnestly  recom- 
mends  to  others  the  study  of  it  as  the  noblest  emj)loy- 
ment  of  the  faculties,  and  one  of  the  surest  guides  to 
rational  devotion.  His  thoughts  on  this  subject,  though 
emanating  from  a  heathen,  are  well  worth  the  attention 
of  all  Christians. — "  Those  treatises,"  says  he,  '*  which 
display  the  excellencies  of  the  great  Creator,  com- 
pose one  of  the  noblest  and  most  acceptable  hymns. 
To  acquaint  ourselves  with  his  sublime  perfections,  and 
point  out  to  others  his  infinite  power,  his  unerring 
WISDOM,  and  his  boundless  benignity — this  is  a 
more  substantial  act  of  devotion,  than  to  slay  hecatombs 
of  victims  at  his  altar,  or  kindle  mountains  of  spices 
into  incense." 

Now,  as  one  object  of  the  "  Medical  Companion"  is 
to  treat  of  the  art  of  preserving  this  divine  piece  of 
workmanship  in  a  healthy  state,  nothing  can  impress  us 
more  forcibly  than  the  absolute  necessity  of  being  made 
acquainted  with  its  parts,  and  the  laws  that  govern  them. 
Without  some  knowledge  thereof,  it  appears  no  more 
rational  or  possible  to  take  the  right  care  of  it,  or  to 
keep  it  in  good  order,  than  it  would  be  for  a  man  to 
perpetuate  the  regular  motion  of  a  clock  or  time  piece, 
who  was  totally  ignorant  of  its  mechanism. 

The  study  of  Anatomy^  as  it  leads  to  the  knowledge 
of  NATURE,  needs  not,  says  the  illustrious  Cheselden, 
many  tedious  descriptions,  nor  minute  dissections;  what 
is  most  worth  knowing  is  soonest  learned,  and  least  sub- 
ject to  difiiculty,  while  dividing  and  describing  the  parts 
more  that  the  knowledge  of  their  uses  requires,  per- 
plex the  learners,  and  make  the  science  tedious,  dry, 
and  difficult. 

Upon  this  principle,  the  following  anatomical  descrip- 
tion of  the  human  body  is  conducted;  and  to  render  it 
perfectly  intelligible  to  the  uninformed  readers,  techni- 
cal terms  have,  as  much  as  possible,  been  avoided. 


4 


the  Human  Machine. 


31 


When  a  master-builder  (says  the  celebrated  Her- 
vey,  whose  sublime  sentiments  on  this  theme,  are  at 
once  so  elegant  and  appropriate,  that  I  have  taken  the 
liberty,  frequently  to  use  them)  undertakes  to  erect  a 
magnificent  edifice,  he  begins  with  the  less  decorated, 
but  more  solid  parts,  those  which  are  to  support^  or  to 
contain  the  rest/'  This  order  we  will  follow  in  consi- 
dering  the  structure  of  the  human  frame. 

The  Bones  are  the  hardest  and  most  solid  parts  of 
the  human  machine,  cast  into  a  variety  of  moulds,  en- 
larged or  contracted  into  a  variety  of  sizes,  and  calcu- 
lated from  their  strength,  to  support  the  whole  body. 
The  manner  of  their  articulation  is  truly  admirable,  and 
remarkably  various;  yet  never  varied  without  demon- 
strating some  wise  design  and  answering  some  valuable 
end.  They  contain  marrow,  which  makes  them  less 
brittle,  and  are  covered  with  a  membrane,  or  thin  sub- 
stance like  a  bladder,  called  periosteum  (except  on  the 
skull,  where  it  is  called  pericranium)  which  is  exqui- 
sitely sensible  in  an  inflamed  state,  being  plentifully  sup- 
plied with  nerves  and  blood-vessels.  Its  use  is  to  sus- 
tain the  vessels  which  enter  the  substance  of  the  bones 
with  their  nourishment.  The  head,  designed  for  the  resi- 
dence of  the  brain,  is  framed  in  exact  conformity  to  this 
important  purpose,  ample  to  receive  it;  strong  to  uphold 
it;  and  firm  to  defend  it. 

The  Ribs,  turned  into  a  regular  arch,  are  gently 
moveable  for  the  act  of  respiration.  They  form  a  secure 
lodgment  for  the  lungs  and  the  heart. 

The  Back- bone  is  intended  not  only  to  strengthen  the 
body,  and  sustain  its  most  capacious  store-rooms;  but 
also  to  bring  down  that  appendage  of  the  brain,  which  is 
usually  termed  Spinal  marrow. 

The  Arms,  pendent  on  either  side,  are  exactly  pro- 
portioned to  each  other,  that  the  equilibrium  of  the 
structure  may  not  be  disconcerted.  These  being  the 


32 


Of  the  Structure  of 


guards  which  defend,  and  the  ministers  which  serve  the 
whole  body,  are  fitted  for  the  most  diversified  and  ex- 
tensive operations;  firm  with  bone,  yet  not  weighty 
with  flesh;  and  capable  of  performing  with  singular 
expedition  and  ease,  all  manner  of  useful  motions.  To 
these  are  annexed  the  hands^  and  all  terminated  by  the 
fingers;  which  are  not,  like  the  arms,  of  the  same  length, 
and  of  equal  bigness,  but  consisting  of  various  little 
bones,  and  a  multitude  of  muscles:  what  shape  can  they 
not  assume?  what  service  can  they  not  perform? 

The  Thighs  and  Legs  are  alike  substantial  and  state- 
ly columns;  articulated  in  such  a  manner,  that  they  ad- 
minister most  commodiously  to  the  act  of  walking,  yet 
obstruct  not  the  easy  posture  of  sitting.  The  legs  swell 
out,  towards  the  top,  with  a  gentle  projection;  and  are 
wrought  off,  towards  the  bottom,  with  neat  diminutions. 
Which  variation  lessens  their  bulk,  at  the  same  time 
that  it  increases  their  beauty. 

The  Feet  compose  the  firmest  and  neatest  pedestal; 
infinitely  beyond  all  that  statuary  or  architecture  can 
accomplish;  capable  of  altering  its  form,  and  extending 
its  size,  as  different  circumstances  require.  Besides 
performing  the  oflSce  of  a  pedestal,  they  contain  a  set  of 
the  neatest  springs,  which  help  to  place  the  body  in  a 
variety  of  graceful  attitudes,  and  qualify  it  for  a  multi- 
plicity of  advantageous  motions.  The  undermost  part 
of  the  heel,  and  the  extremity  of  the  sole,  are  shod  with 
a  tough,  insensible,  sinewy  substance.  This  we  may 
call  a  natural  sandal.  It  never  wears  out,  never  wants 
repair,  and  always  prevents  that  undue  compression  of 
the  vessels,  which  the  weight  of  the  body,  in  walking  or 
standing,  might  otherwise  occasion. 

While  many  animals  creep  on  the  ground,  while  all 
of  them  are  prone  in  their  posture  or  their  aspect,  the 
attitude  of  man  is  erect.  Which  is  by  far  the  most 
graceful,  has  an  air  of  dignity,  and  bespeaks  superiori- 
ty. It  is  by  far  the  most  commodious;  fits  us  for  the 


the  Human  Mad  tine. 


33 


prosecution  of  every  grand  scheme,  and  facilitates  the 
success  of  all  our  extensive  designs.  It  is  likewise  at- 
tended with  the  greatest  safety;  being,  if  not  less  than 
any  other  position  exposed  to  dangers,  yet  more  hap- 
pily contrived  to  repel  or  avoid  them. 

The  Cartilages  approach  much  to  the  nature  of 
bones,  but  are  smooth  and  elastic.  In  them  there  is  no 
sensible  cavity  for  containing  marrow,  nor  are  they  co- 
vered with  any  membrane  to  render  them  sensible  as 
the  bones  are.  They  serve  to  make  the  bones,  whose 
extremities  they  cover,  move  freely  in  their  joints. 
They  also  contribute,  in  a  great  measure,  to  the  forma- 
tion of  several  parts,  as  the  wind-pipe,  nose,  ears,  and 
breast. 

The  Ligaments  are  tough,  compact  substances,  more 
flexible  than  cartilages.  I'hey  have  no  conspicuous  ca- 
vities, neither  have  they  any  sensibility,  lest  they  should 
suffer  upon  the  motion  of  the  joint.  They  serve  to  unite 
the  several  limbs,  and  prevent  their  parting  from  each 
other,  as  happen  in  dislocations. 

The  Muscles  are  distinct  portions  of  soft,  red  flesh, 
with  strong  tendinous  heads  and  tails  designed  for  in- 
sertion.— They  are  composed  of  the  slenderest  fibres, 
yet  indued  with  incredible  strength;  fashioned  after  a 
variety  of  patterns,  but  all  in  the  highest  taste  for  ele- 
gance, conveniency  and  usefulness.  These  with  their 
tendons  annexed,  constitute  the  instruments  of  motion. 
The  former  contracting  their  substance,  operate  some- 
what like  the  pulley  in  mechanics.  The  latter  resem- 
bling the  cord,  are  fastened  to  a  bone,  or  so'ue  portion 
of  flesh;  and  following  the  muscular  contraction,  actuate 
the  part  into  which  they  are  inserted.  This,  and  all  their 
functions,  they  execute,  not  like  a  sluggish  beast  of 
burden,  but  quick  as  lightning.  Nature  having  inserted 
a  nerve  or  more  in  each  muscle,  sets  them  at  work;  dif- 
fuses the  power  of  sensation  through  the  body;  or,  re- 
turning upon  an  impression  from  without,  gives  all 

E 


34 


Of  the  Structure  of 


needful  intelligence  to  the  soul:  so  that  flesh  and  nerve« 
are  the  principal  constituents  of  a  muscle.  Inwardly  they 
supply  the  several  movements  of  the  active  machine: 
Outxvardlt/  they  render  its  appearance  plump,  well  pro- 
portioned, and  graceful. 

The  strength  of  the  muscles  is  astonishing  in  all  per- 
sons, but  especially  in  cases  of  phrenzy,  and  in  certain 
extraordinary  characters,  who,  by  the  use  of  a  few  mus- 
cles only,  will  easily  raise  a  weight  much  greater  than 
that  of  their  own  bodies. 

The  Tendons^  although  much  smaller  than  the  body 
of  the  muscle,  are  composed  of  the  same  number  of 
fibres.  They  are  not  capable  of  contraction,  but  serve 
like  ropes  to  pull  when  the  fleshy  fibres  act,  for  the 
commodiousness  and  firmness  of  insertion,  and  for  the 
direction  of  motion. 

The  use  of  the  tendons  is  to  avoid  a  large  quantity 
of  flesh  near  the  joint,  to  prevent  clumsiness  in  particu- 
lar  places,  and  for  the  better  admitting  of  that  friction, 
which,  in  less  compact  parts,  would  have  been  inju- 
rious. 

The  Nerves  are  surprisingly  minute,  white  cords  de- 
rived from  the  brain,  running  to  every  part  of  the  body. 
They  perform  two  distinct  oflfices;  the  one  is,  convey- 
ing sensation  from  all  parts  of  the  body  to  the  brain. — 
Whatever  impression  is  made,  whether  of  an  agreeable 
or  disagreeable  nature,  on  any  part  of  the  body,  imme- 
diate intelligence  of  it  is  conveyed  by  those  faithful  sen- 
tinels  to  the  seat  of  intellect.  The  other  offices,  perform- 
ed by  the  nerves,  is  carrying  the  commands  of  the  will 
from  that  seat  to  all  the  different  parts  of  the  body;  in 
consequence  of  which  the  limbs  and  body  are  moved, 
in  a  great  variety  of  directions,  as  the  will  ordains.  For, 
most  of  the  muscles  of  the  body  which  produce  motion, 
are  in  the  guidance  of  our  will;  some  of  them,  however^ 
are  entirely  independent  of  it,  as  those  of  the  heart,  and 
vessels  which  carry  on  the  circulation  of  the  blood;  and 
some  are  partly  under  the  direction  of  our  will,  and  part- 
ly independent  of  it,  as  those  of  respiration. 


the  Human  Machine, 


35 


But  all  the  muscles,  the  involuntary,  as  well  as  the 
voluntary,  are  enabled  to  act  only  by  their  communica- 
tion with  the  brain;  for  when  that  is  cut  off  by  the  de- 
struction of  the  connecting  nerve,  whatever  impression 
is  made  ou  the  part  can  no  longer  be  felt;  the  orders  of 
the  will  to  that  part  can  no  longer  be  obeyed,  and  the 
part  itself  can  no  longer  move. 

The  Arteries  are  strong  elastic  tubes  which  arise  from 
the  heart;  and  thence  striking  out,  as  they  go,  into  num- 
berless smaller  canals  or  branches,  distribute  the  blood 
to  every  part  of  the  body.  These  being  wide  at  their  ori- 
gin, and  lessening  as  they  branch  themselves,  check 
the  rapid  motion  of  the  blood.  To  sustain  this  shock, 
they  are  indued  with  uncommon  strength;  by  perform- 
ing this  service  they  oblige  the  crimson  current  to  pass 
into  the  narrowest  defiles^  and  distribute  itself  into  all 
quarters.  The  blood  thrown  from  the  heart  dilates  the 
arteries,  and  their  own  elastic  force  contracts  them.  By 
which  means,  they  vibrate  in  proper  places,  very  perceiv- 
ably  against  the  finger;  bring  advices  of  the  utmost  im- 
portance to  the  physician;  and  very  much  assist  him 
both  in  discovering  the  nature  of  diseases,  and  prescrib- 
ing for  their  cures.  The  larger  arteries,  wherever  the 
body  is  formed  for  bending,  are  situated  on  the  bending 
side;  lest,  being  stretched  to  an  improper  length  by  the 
inflection,  their  dimensions  should  be  lessened,  and  the 
circulating  fluid  retarded.  They  are  not,  like  several  of 
tlie  considerable  veins,  laid  so  near  the  surface  as  to  be 
protrusive  of  the  skin;  but  are  deposited  at  a  proper 
depth  in  the  flesh.  This  situation  renders  them  more  se- 
cure from  external  injuries. 

The  V nns  are  tubes  or  vessels  which  accompany  the 
arteries,  and  are  appointed  to  receive  the  blood  from 
their  extremities,  and  reconvey  it  to  the  heart.  Small  at 
their  rise,  and  enlarging  as  they  advance,  they  are  void 
of  any  pulsation.  In  these,  the  pressure  of  the  circulating 
fluid  is  not  near  so  forcible  as  in  the  arteries;  for  which 
reason  their  texture  is  considerably  slighter.  In  many 


36 


Of  the  Structure  of 


places  they  have  valves,  because  the  slow  motion  of  the 
blood  in  the  veins,  and  their  weaker  contractile  power, 
unassisted  by  a  force  adequate  to  that  of  the  heart,  have 
s:reat  need  of  such  an  invention  to  ensure  its  return  to 
the  heart. 

The  Secretory  vessels  are  minute  tubes  in  the  differ- 
ent organs,  which  serve  to  separate  and  strain  off  the 
different  fluids  from  the  general  mass  of  blood. 

The  Excretory  vessels  arc  those  tubes  which  also 
belong  to  the  different  organs,  whose  office  is  to  carry 
off  the  humours  that  are  separated. 

The  Glands^  commonly  called  Kernels,  are  small  bo- 
dies of  finely  interwoven  vessels,  whose  office  it  is  to  se- 
crete or  separate  fluids  from  the  blood  for  particular 
uses,  as  spittle  in  the  mouth,  bile  in  the  liver,  milk  in 
the  breast,  Sec.  Glands,  when  obstructed,  become  large 
and  indurated,  from  which  scirrhus  and  cancers  are  pro- 
duced. 

The  Membranes  are  thin  tunicles  or  fine  webs  like  a 
bladder,  appointed  to  enwrap  the  fleshy  parts;  to  form  a 
connection  between  some;  to  line  the  cavities,  and  make 
a  separation  between  others. 

The  Fibres  are  simple  thread-like  bodies,  which  serve 
to  form  other  parts;  hence  some  are  very  hard,  as  the 
bony  ones;  and  others  soft,  as  the  fleshy  parts. 

The  Skin^  like  a  curious  surtout,  exactly  fitted,  en- 
velopes the  whole,  formed  of  the  most  delicate  net- 
work; whose  meshes  are  minute,  and  whose  threads  are 
multiplied  even  to  a  prodigy.  The  meshes  are  so  minute^ 
that  nothing  which  is  discernible  to  the  eye  passes  them; 
though  they  discharge  every  moment  myriads  of  super* 
fluous  incumbrances  from  the  body. — The  steam  arising 
from  the  warm  business  transacted  within,  is  carried  off 
by  these  real,  though  imperceptible  funnels;  which  con- 


the  Human  Machine. 


37 


stitutes  what  we  usually  call  insensible  perspiration,  A 
.  single  grain  of  sand,  according  to  Mr.  Lewenhouk,  will 
cover  no  less  than  one  hundred  and  twenty-five  thou- 
sand of  the^e  funnels,  or  what  has  been  prettily  styled 
"  cutaneous  chimneys,^''  The  threads  are  so  multiplied,, 
that  the  point  of  the  smallest  needle  cannot  pierce  any 
single  part  without  causing  an  uneasy  sensation,  and  an 
effusion  of  blood;  consequently  without  v/ounding,  even 
by  so  small  a  puncture,  both  a  nerve  and  a  blood-vessel. 

The  outermost  covering  of  the  body  is  that  soft 
whitish  tegument  which  rises  in  the  pustule  of  a  blister, 
and  is  called  scarf-skin.  The  next,  or  true-skin,  is  that 
reddish  and  exquisitely  tender  part  which  appears  when 
the  blister  is  broken,  and  the  dead  skin  taken  off.  The 
first  is  void  of  sense,  and  intended  to  screen  the  second, 
not  only  from  the  stroke  of  injuries,  but  even  from  the 
impressions  of  the  air,  which,  mild  as  it  may  feel  to  the 
sheathed,  would  be  too  rough  and  sharp  for  the  naked 
nerves. 

The  natural  colour  of  the  cuticle  is  white.  The  ap- 
parent  black  or  brown  colour  in  the  African  or  Indian, 
is  entirely  owing  to  the  mucous  substance  under  it. 

The  skin  unites  in  itself  two  very  essential  functionSo 
It  is  the  organ  of  the  sense  of  the  touch;  it  is  the  chan- 
nel of  perspiration.  For  this  purpose,  innumerable 
nerves  and  vessels  are  dispersed  throughout  the  skin, 
which  are  in  the  continual  act  of  feeling,  and  at  the 
same  time,  of  secreting  and  volatilizing  noxious  parti- 
cles. It  has  been  proved  by  accurate  experiments,  that 
the  healthy  individual  daily  and  insensibly  perspires  up- 
wards of  three  pounds  weight  of  superfluous  and  im- 
pure humours.  It  may,  therefore,  be  confidently  as- 
serted, that  no  part  of  the  body  is  provided  with  so 
many  important  organs,  by  which  it  is  connected  with 
almost  every  operation  performed  in  animal  life,  as  the 
skin.  By  this  organization^  we  are  placed  in  immediate 
connexion  with  the  surrounding  atmosphere,  which  par- 
ticularly affects  us  through  the  skin,  and  exerts  its  in- 
fluence on  our  heahh;  We  farther  feel  directly  through 
that  medium,  the  qualities  of  the  air,  heat,  cold,  pres- 
sure and  rarefaction. 


38 


Of  the  Structure  of 


Important  as  the  skin  is  to  external  life,  it  is  no  less 
to  the  internal  economy  of  the  body,  where  it  appears 
to  be  peculiarly  designed  to  preserve  the  grand  equili- 
brium of  the  different  systems,  by  which  the  human 
frame  is  supported  in  its  vital,  animal,  and  sexual  func- 
tions. If  any  stagnation,  accumulation,  or  irregularity 
arise  in  the  fluids,  the  skin  is  the  great  and  ever- ready 
conductor,  through  which  the  superfluous  particles  are 
separated,  the  noxious  volatilized,  and  the  fluids,  stag- 
nating in  their  course,  eftectually  attenuated;  a  canal  be- 
ing at  the  same  time  opened  for  the  removal  of  those 
humours,  which  if  they  could  get  access  to  the  vital 
parts,  such  as  the  heart  and  brain,  would  cause  inevi- 
table destruction.  By  the  proper  exercise  of  this  or- 
gan, many  diseases  may  be  suppressed  in  their  early 
stages;  and  those  which  h^ve  already  taken  place,  may 
be  most  eflfectually  removed.  No  disease  whatever  can 
be  healed  without  the  co-operation  of  the  skin.  The  na- 
ture and  constitution  of  this  organ  most  certainly  deter- 
mine either  our  hope  or  apprehension  for  the  safety  of 
the  patient.  In  the  most  dangerous  inflammatory  dis- 
eases,  when  the  prospect  of  recovery  is  but  gloomy,  a 
beneficial  change  of  the  skin  is  the  only  effort  by  which 
nature,  almost  overcome,  relieves  herself,  and  ejects  the 
poison  in  a  surprising  manner,  frequently  in  the  course 
of  one  night.  The  greatest  art  of  a  physician,  indeed, 
consists  in  the  proper  management  of  this  extensive  or- 
gan, and  in  regulating  its  activity,  where  occasion  re- 
quires. To  mention  only  one  circumstance;  it  is  well 
known  to  those  who  have  experienced  the  beneficial 
effects  of  a  simple  blister,  that  its  stimulus,  like  a  charm, 
has  frequently  relieved  the  most  excruciating  pains  and 
spasms  in  the  internal  parts. 

When  the  sensibility  of  the  surface  is  impaired;  when 
the  myriads  of  orifices  that  are  designed  for  the  con- 
tinual purification  of  our  fluids,  are  obstructed,  if  not 
closed;  when  the  subtle  nervous  texture  is  nearly  de- 
prived of  its  energy,  so  that  it  becomes  an  impenetrable 
coat  of  mail^  is  there  any  reason  to  wonder  that  we  are 
so  often  harassed  by  a  sense  of  constraint  and  anxiety, 


the  Human  Machine, 


39 


and  that  this  uneasiness,  in  many  cases,  terminates  in 
gloom  and  melancholy?  Ask  the  Hypochondriac,  whether 
a  certain  degree  of  the  cold,  paleness,  and  spasmodic 
sensation  in  the  skin,  does  not  always  precede  his  most 
violent  fits  of  imbecility;  and  whether  his  feelings  are 
not  most  comfortable,  when  the  surface  of  his  body  is 
vigorous,  warm,  and  perspires  freely?  In  short,  the  de- 
grees of  insensible  perspiration  are  to  him  the  surest 
barometer  of  his  state  of  mind.  If  our  skin  be  disor- 
ganised, the  free  inlets  and  outlets  of  the  electric,  mag- 
netic,  and  other  matters,  which  affect  us  at  the  change 
of  the  weather,  are  inactive.  Thus  the  origin  of  extreme 
sensibility  towards  the  various  atmospheric  revolutions, 
is  no  longer  a  mystery;  for,  in  a  healthy  surface  of  the 
body,  no  inconvenience  will  follow  from  such  changes. 
If  we  farther  advert  to  those  acrimonious  fluids,  which, 
in  consequence  of  an  imperfect  state  of  perspiration,  are 
retained  in  the  body,  and  which  affect  the  most  sensible 
nerves  and  membranes,  we  shall  the  better  comprehend 
how  cramps  and  spasms,  the  torturing  pains  of  the  gout 
and  rheumatism,  and  the  great  variety  of  cutaneous 
diseases,  have  of  late  become  so  obstinate  and  general. 
The  just  proportion  of  the  fluids,  and  the  circulation  of 
the  blood,  are  also  determined  in  no  small  degree,  by  the 
skin;  so  that  if  these  fluids  become  languid,  the  whole 
momentum  of  the  blood  is  repelled  towards  the  interior 
parts.  Thus  a  continual  plethora,  or  fulness  of  the  blood, 
is  occasioned;  the  head  and  breast  are  greatly  oppressed; 
and  the  external  parts,  especially  the  lower  extremities, 
feel  chilly  and  languid. 

May  we  not  infer,  from  what  has  been  advanced,  that 
the  use  of  baths  is  too  much  neglected,  and  ought  to 
be  universally  introduced? 

Bathing  is  considered  an  excellent  remedy  for  allevi- 
ating both  mental  and  bodily  affections.  It  is  not  merely 
a  cleanser  of  the  skin,  enlivening  and  rendering  it  more 
fit  for  performing  its  offices;  it  also  refreshes  the  mind, 
and  spreads  over  the  whole  system  a  sensation  of  ease, 
activity  and  pleasantness.  It  likewise  removes  stagna- 
tion in  the  larger,  as  well  as  in  the  smaller  vessels,  gives 


Of  the  Structure  of 


an  uniform,  free  circulation  to  the  blood,  and  preserves 
that  wonderful  harmony  in  our  interior  organs,  on  the 
disposition  of  which  our  health  and  comforts  so  much 
depend.  A  person  fatigued,  or  distressed  in  body  and 
miiid,  will  derive  more  refreshment  from  the  luxury  of 
a  tepid  bath,  and  may  drown  his  disquietude  in  it  more 
effectually,  than  by  indulging  in  copious  libations  to 
Bacchus. 

There  subsists  so  intimate  a  relation  between  our  in- 
terior and  exterior  vessels,  that  almost  every  error  or  ir- 
regularity in  the  organs  within,  shows  itself  first  on  the 
surface  of  the  body,  particularly  on  the  face.  How  often 
are  we  struck  with  the  countenance  of  a  person  who 
thinks  himself  in  perfect  health,  but  whose  illness,  the 
result  of  some  morbid  cause,  concealed  in  the  body, 
justifies,  in  a  few  days,  the  serious  apprehensions  we 
entertained  at  our  last  interview?  Nature  has  wisely  or- 
dained, that  the  first  appearance  of  internal  irregularities 
should  be  indicated  by  the  countenance;  but  to  what  do 
we  generally  apply  this  index?  We  refuse  to  avail  our- 
selves of  her  beneficent  intimation;  and  the  continued  use 
of  pernicious  substances,  instead  of  promoting  the  ob- 
ject we  have  in  view,  ultimately  tarnishes  and  impairs 
that  beauty  which  we  meant  to  adorn  and  pre-serve. 

The  secret  venom,  circling  in  her  veins. 
Works  through  her  skin,  and  bursts  in  bloating  stains; 
Her  cheeks  their  freshness  lose,  and  wonted  grace, 
And  an  unusual  paleness  spreads  her  face. 

Granville. 

We  imagine  it  in  our  power  to  improve  the  skin, 
without  attending  to  the  purity  of  the  fluids,  though  it 
is  indebted  to  them  for  its  very  existence;  and  yet  we 
should  smile  at  a  person,  who  should  attempt  to  cleanse 
an  impure  tongue  by  constantly  scraping  it,  when  a  dis- 
ordered stomach  was  the  real  cause  of  that  impurity. 


the  Human  Machine* 


41 


The  Cellular  Membrane^  so  called  from  its  numerous 
cells,  adheres  very  closely  to  the  skin,  running  between 
the  muscles  in  general,  and  between  their  several  fibres 
in  particular;  and  communicating  with  the  membrane 
which  lines  the  inside  of  the  breast  and  belly. — All  its 
cells  communicate  with  each  other  throughout  the 
whole  body,  so  that  from  any  one  part  the  whole  may 
be  filled  w  ith  air,  as  is  evident  in  beasts,  from  the  butch- 
ers blowing  up  their  lean  meat  with  air  when  newly 
killed,  and  in  emphysema,  where  the  air  from  a  broken 
rib,  getting  into  one  of  the  cells,  forces  its  way  into  all  the 
rest,  distending  the  body  to  a  frightful  size;  as  also,  in 
general  dropsy,  wherein  all  the  cells,  filled  wdth  w^ater, 
may,  by  puncture,  be  emptied  in  the  course  of  a  night. 
In  health  this  membrane  is  filled  with  an  oily  substance, 
which  gives  an  agreeable  rotundity  to  the  limbs.  It  is 
also  the  seat  of  biles,  and  contributes  to  keep  the  inner 
parts  warm  and  pliant;  and,  by  filling  the  interstices  of 
the  muscles,  renders  the  surface  of  the  body  smooth 
and  plump. 

The  Head,  that  majestic  dome,  being  the  seat  of  the 
brain,  in  which  the  soul  is  supposed  to  reside,  resem- 
bles the  GeneraVs  tent  in  an  army,  or  the  Monarch's  pa- 
lace in  a  city.  It  has  a  communication  established  with 
all,  even  the  most  remote  parts  of  the  system,  has  out- 
lets and  avenues,  for  the  ready  despatch  of  couriers  to 
all  quarters;  and  for  the  reception  of  speedy  intelligence 
on  every  interesting  occasion.  It  is  furnished  with  lodg- 
ments wherein  to  post  sentinels  of  various  characters, 
and  appoint  to  various  ofiSces — to  expedite  their  opera- 
tions; whether  they  are  employed  in  reconnoitering  what 
passes  without,  or  examining  what  claims  admittance 
within;  the  whole  turns  upon  a  curious  pivot,  most 
nicely  contrived  to  afford  the  largest  and  freest  circum- 
volutions. This  stately  capitol  is  screened  from  heat, 
defended  from  cold,  and,  at  the  same  time,  beautified 
by  a  copious  growth  of  hair. 

The  GREAT  CREATOR,  profuscly  gracious  to  man- 
kind, has  made  us  an  inestimable  present  of  the  senses; 

F 


42 


Of  the  Structure  of 


to  be  the  inlets  of  innumerable  pleasures,  and  the  means 
of  administering  the  most  valuable  advantages.  High 
in  the  head,  bright  and  conspicuous  as  a  star  in  the 
brow  of  evening,  is  placed  the  eye.  In  this  elevated  si- 
tuation, like  a  sentinel  posted  in  his  watch-tower,  it 
commands  the  most  enlarged  prospect.  Consisting  only 
of  simple  fluids,  enclosed  in  thin  tunicles,  it  conveys  to 
our  apprehension  all  the  graces  of  blooming  nature,  and 
all  the  glories  of  the  visible  heavens.  How  prodigiously 
wonderful!  that  an  image  of  the  highest  mountains,  and 
a  transcript  of  the  most  diversified  landscapes,  shall  en- 
ter the  small  circlet  of  the  pupil!  How  surprisingly  artful! 
that  the  rays  of  light,  like  an  inimitable  pencil,  should 
paint  on  the  optic  nerves,  paint  in  an  instant  of  time, 
paint  in  their  truest  colours  and  exact  est  lineaments, 
every  species  of  external  objects. 

The  Eye  is  so  tender,  that  a  slight  accident,  scarce 
perceivable  by  some  other  parts  of  the  body,  proves 
very  injurious  to  its  delicate  frame.  It  is  guarded,  there- 
fore, with  the  most  solicitous  care;  with  a  care  evident- 
ly proportioned  to  its  nice  texture,  and  extensive  use- 
fulness. It  is  entrenched  deep  in  the  head,  and  barricad- 
ed on  every  side  with  a  strong  fortification  of  bones. 
The  wisdom  and  goodnc  ss  of  the  Creator  appear  in  the 
astonishing  apparatus  of  muscles  with  which  the  eye  is 
furnished,  to  produce  all  the  necessary  and  convenient 
motions  in  the  situation  where  it  is  placed.  The  eye- 
brows serve  to  defend  this  delicate  organ  from  too 
strong  a  light;  and 'as  the  incursion  of  the  smallest  fly 
would  incommode  the  polished  surface,  it  is  farther  de- 
fended by  two  substantial  curtains  (eye-lids)  hung  on  a 
most  slender  cartilaginous  rod,  which  secure  it  from 
floating  dust  and  from  every  troublesome  annoyance.  In 
sleep,  when  there  is  no  occasion  to  exercise  the  sense, 
but  an  absolute  necessity  to  protect  the  organ,  these 
curtains  spontaneously  close,  and  never  fail  to  lie  shut. 
On  the  inside  of  these  curtains  or  eye-lids,  lie  glands, 
which  secrete  a  limpid  fluid,  that  lubricates  the  eye- 
ball, as  often  as  we  wink,  or,  as  it  were,  oils  its  wheels, 
and  fits  it  for  a  course  of  unwearied  activity. 


the  Human  Machine. 


43 


The  Ear  consists  of  an  outward  porch  and  inner  cham- 
bers, with  tools  of  the  most  admirable  contrivance,  and 
finished  workmanship.  The  porch  is  that  cartilaginous 
substance,  standing  somewhat  prominent  from  the  head, 
covered  with  a  tight  expansion  of  the  skin,  and  wrought 
into  irregular  bends  and  hollows;  which,  like  circling 
hills,  or  surrounding  rocky  shores,  collect  the  wander- 
ing undulations  of  the  air,  and  transmit  them  with  a  vi- 
gorous impulse,  to  the  finely  stretched  membrane  of 
the  tympanum,  or  drum  of  the  ear.  The  avenue ^  or  nar- 
row entry,  is  secured  from  the  insinuating  attempts  of 
little  insects,  by  a  morass  of  bitter  and  viscous  matter, 
disgustful  to  their  taste,  and  embarrassing  to  their  feet. 
The  hammer  and  the  anvil;  the  stirrup  and  the  drwn; 
the  winding  labyrinths,  and  the  rounding  galleries; 
these  and  other  pieces  of  mechanism,  all  instrumental 
to  the  power  of  hearing,  are,  beyond  description,  curious. 

Amazingly  nice  must  be  the  formation  and  incon- 
ceivably exact  the  tension  of  the  auditory  nerves,  since 
they  correspond  with  the  smallest  tremours  of  the  atmo- 
sphere, and  easily  distinguish  their  most  subtle  varia- 
tions. With  the  gende  gales  that  fan  us,  or  even  with 
the  ruder  blasts  that  assault  us,  these  delicate  strings  are 
but  little  affected.  Whereas,  they  are  perfect  unisons 
with  those  fine,  those  significant  agitations  of  the  air, 
which  the  acutest  touch  is  unable  to  discern.  These 
living  cords,  tuned  by  an  Almighty  hand,  and  diffused 
through  the  echoing  aisles,  and  sonorous  cells,  these  re- 
ceive the  impressions  of  sound  and  propagate  them  to 
the  brain.  These  give  existence  to  the  charms  of  mu- 
sic, and  reciprocate  the  rational  entertainments  of  dis- 
course. The  eye  perceives  only  the  objects  that  are  be- 
fore it;  whereas  the  ear  warns  us  of  transactions  that 
pass  above  us,  behind  us,  all  around  us.  The  eye  is 
useless  amidst  the  gloom  of  night,  and  cannot  carry  its 
observation  through  the  bolted  door  or  the  closed  win- 
dow-shutter; but  the  ear  admits  her  intelligence  through 
the  darkest  medium,  and  the  minutest  cranny.  Hence, 
when  we  cannot  see  our  friend,  because  of  an  interpos- 
ing'partition,  yet  by  the  friendly  aid  of  this  organ,  we 
can  learn  that  he  is  in  the  adjoining  room  by  his  voicej 


44 


Of  the  Structure  of 


or  that  he  is  near  by  his  steps.  The  eye  is  upon  duty 
only  in  our  waking  hours;  but  the  ear  is  always  ex- 
panded, and  always  accessible;  a  courier  which  never 
tires;  a  sentry  ever  in  his  box.  To  secure  a  resource, 
in  case  any  misfortune  should  disable  o/zc  of  the  hearing 
or  seeing  organs,  our  all  gracious  maker  has  given  us 
duplicates  of  each. 

As  there  are  tremulous  concwssions  impressed  upon 
the  air,  discernible  only  by  the  instruments  of  hearing; 
there  are  also  odoriferous  particles  wafted  by  the  same 
serial  vehicle,  which  are  perceivable  only  by  the  smell. 

The  Nostrils  are  wide  at  the  bottom,  that  a  large 
quantity  of  effluvia  may  enter;  narrow  at  the  top,  that 
when  entered,  they  may  close  their  ranks,  and  act  with 
greater  vigour.  Fine,  beyond  all  imagination,  are  the 
streams  which  exhale  from  foetid  or  fragrant  bodies. — 
The  very  best  microscopes,  which  discover  thousands 
and  tens  of  thousands  of  animalcules  in  a  drop  of  putre- 
fied water,  cannot  bring  one  individual  among  all  these 
evanescent  legions  to  our  sight.  They  sail  in  number- 
less squadrons,  close  to  our  eyes,  close  by  our  ears;  yet 
are  so  amazingly  attenuated,  that  they  elude  the  search 
of  both.  Nevertheless,  so  judiciously  are  the  olfactory 
nets  laid,  and  so  artfully  their  meshes  seized,  that  they 
catch  these  vanishing  fugitives.  They  catch  the  roaming 
perfumes,  which  fly  off  from  the  opening  honey- suckle, 
and  take  in  the  stationed  sweets  which  hover  round  the 
expanded  rose.  They  imbibe  all  the  balmy  fragrance  of 
spring,  all  the  aromatic exhalationsof  autumn,  and  enable 
us  to  banquet  even  on  the  invisible  dainties  of  nature. 

Furnished  with  these  several  organs, 

 not  a  breeze 

Flies  o^er  the  meadows,  not  a  cloud  imbibes 
The  settijig  suit's  effulgence,  not  a  strain 
From  all  the  tenants  of  the  warbling  shade 
Ascends,  but  whence  our  senses  can  partake 
Fresh  pleasure, 

Ak  EN  SIDE. 


the  Human  Machine, 


45 


Another  capacity  for  frequent  pleasure,  our  bountiful 
CREATOR  has  bestowed,  in  the  power  of  taste;  by  means 
of  which  the  food  that  supports  our  body,  feasts  our  pa- 
late; first  treats  us  with  a  pleasing  regale,  then  distri 
butes  its  beneficial  recruits.  The  razor,  whetted  with  oil, 
becomes  more  exquisitely  keen.  The  saliva^  flowing 
upon  the  tongue,  and  moistening  its  nerves,  quickens 
them  into  the  liveliest  acts  of  sensation.  This  sense  is 
circumstanced  in  a  manner  peculiarly  benign  and  wise; 
so  as  to  be  a  standing,  though  silent  plea  for  temperance. 

The  sight,  the  smell,  the  taste,  are  not  only  so  many 
separate  sources  of  delight,  but  a  joint  security  to  our 
healih.  They  are  the  vigilant  and  accurate  inspectors 
which  examine  our  food,  and  inquire  into  its  proper- 
ties, whether  it  be  pleasant  or  disagreeable,  wholesome 
or  noxious.  For  the  discharge  of  this  office,  they  are  ex- 
cellently qualified,  and  most  commodiously  situated; 
so  that  nothing  can  get  admission  through  the  mouth, 
till  it  has  undergone  the  scrutiny,  and  obtained  the  pass- 
port of  them  all. 

To  all  these,  as  a  most  necessary  and  advantageous 
supplement,  is  added  the  sense  of  feeling;  which  ren- 
ders the  assemblage  complete.  While  other  senses  have 
a  particular  place  of  residence,  this  is  diffused  through- 
out the  whole  body.  In  the  palms  of  the  hands,  on  the 
tips  of  the  fingers,  and  indeed  through  all  the  extreme 
parts  of  the  flesh,  it  is  most  quick  and  lively.  The  whole 
army  of  Xerxes  drawn  out  in  battle  array,  with  his  miU 
lions  of  supernumerary  attendants,  were  but  like  a  few 
gleaners  straggling  in  the  field,  if  compared,  either  in 
number  or  order,  with  those  nervous  detachments,  which 
pervade  the  texture  of  the  skin,  and  minister  to  the  act 
of  feeling. 

The  crowning  gift,  that  which  improves  the  satisfac- 
tion, and  augments  the  beneficial  effects  accruing  from 
all  the  senses,  is  speech.  Speech  makes  me  a  gainer  from 
the  eyes  and  ears  of  other  people;  from  the  ideas  they 
conceive,  and  the  observations  they  make.  And  what 
an  admirable  instrumeiU  for  articulating  the  voice,  and 


46 


Of  the  Structure  of 


modifying  it  into  speech,  is  the  tongue!  The  tongue  has 
neither  bone  nor  joint;  yet  fashions  itself,  with  the  ut- 
most volubility,  into  every  shape  and  every  posture, 
which  can  express  sentiment,  or  constitute  harmony. — 
This  little  collection  of  muscular  fibres,  under  the  con- 
ductinj^^  skill  of  the  creator,  is  the  artificer  of  our 
words.  By  this  we  communicate  the  secrets  of  the  breast, 
and  make  our  very  thoughts  audible.  By  this  we  instruct 
the  ignorant,  and  comfort  the  distressed;  we  glorify 
God,  and  edifv  each  other. 

Who  would  not  bless  for  this  the  gift  of  speech. 
And  in  the  tongue's  beneficence  be  rich? 

But  still,  what  is  this  mansion  of  flesh,  though  so  ex- 
quisitely wrought,  compared  with  the  noble  and  im- 
mortal inhabitant,  which  resides  witliin? 

 "  That  intellectual  being, 

Those  thoughts,  which  wander  through  eternity, 

I'he  Mind  or  Soul  has  a  much  higher  origin  than  that 
of  the  perishable  frame,  with  which  it  is  at  present  con- 
nected. It  is  neither  nerves,  nor  the  nervous  fluids.  These 
are  only  its  agents,  in  this  its  imj>risoned  state.  When 
the  silver  cord"*"^  is  broken,  which  connects  mind  and 
MATTER  together,  vitality  ceases^;  the  body  then,  with 
ail  its  artful  and  numerous  vessels,  fibres  and  nerves,  and 
other  exquisite  machinery,  undergoes  decomposition, 
and  is  turned  into  its  original  elementb;  but  the  immor- 
tal SOUL,  having  shaken  off  this  coil,  is  destined  for  a 
new  residence;  to  flourish  in  eternal  youth;  to  outlive 
the  wreck  of  elements,  and  the  crush  of  worlds.  It  is 
embodied  even  in  its  residence  in  another  world.  Thou 
fuol,"  says  the  Philosopher  and  Apostle,  "  that  seed 
which  thou  sowest  is  not  quickened  except  it  die." — 
And  that  which  thou  sowest  is  not  that  body  which 
shall  be;  but  God  giveth  it  a  body  as  it  hath  pleased 
him,  and  to  every  seed  its  own  body.  So  also  is  the  re- 


the  Human  Machine. 


47 


siirrection  of  the  dead.  The  body  is  sown  in  the  earth 
in  dishonour,  it  is  raised  in  glory;  it  is  sown  in  weak- 
ness, it  is  raised  in  power;  it  is  sown  a  natural  body,  it 
is  raised  a  spiritual.  Behold  I  show  you  a  mystery.  VVe 
shall  not  all  sleep,  but  we  shall  all  be  changed.  In  a  mo- 
ment, in  the  twinkling  of  an  eye,  at  the  last  trump;  for 
the  trumpet  shall  sound,  and  the  dead  shall  be  raised  in- 
corruptible, and  we  shall  be  changed.  For  this  corrup- 
tible must  put  on  incorruption,  and  this  mortal  must  put 
on  immortality."  Man  therefore  is  not  what  he  will 
hereafter  be.  \Vhat  we  discover  of  him  here  below,  is 
only  the  gross  foldage^  under  which  he  crawls  upon  the 
earth,  and  which  he  must  shortly  cast  off. 

The  animal  body  has  no  other  relation  than  to  this 
earth;  the  spiritual  body  will  have  enjoyments  which 
ear  hath  not  heard,  nor  hath  h  entered  into  the  heart 
of  man  to  conceive;^  ^iitw  senses  will  disclose  themselves, 
and,  by  multiplying  his  perfections  in  an  almost  infinite 
degree,  his  sphere  will  be  aggrandized,  and  he  will  be 
equal  to  superior  intelligences.  Revelation  informs  us 
it  will  be  so;  and  the  parable  of  the  seed  is  the  most 
expressive  and  philosophic  emblem  of  this  wonderful 
pre-ordination. 

The  senses,  as  they  will  be  brought  into  subjection 
to  the  soul,  will  no  longer  rule  over  her.  Separated  from 
flesh  and  blood,  there  will  remain  in  her  none  of  those 
earthly  affections  which  resulted  from  them. — Trans- 
ported into  the  regions  of  light,  the  human  understand- 
ing will  present  no  ideas  to  the  will,  but  those  of  high- 
est good.  It  will  then  have  no  other  than  the  lavvful  de- 
sires, and  God  will  be  their  constant  and  ultimate  end. 
It  will  love  him  from  gratitude;  will  fear  him  from  a 
principle  of  love;  and  will  adore  him  as  the  supremely 
amiable  being,  and  as  the  eternal  source  of  life,  perfec^ 
tion,  and  happiness. 

Christians,  who  believe  this  doctrine  of  life,  can  ye 
have  any  dread  of  death?  Your  immortal  spirits  continue 
ally  cleave  to  matter,  and  they  are  indissoluble;  being 
henceforth  united  to  an  unperishable,  and  differently  or- 
ganized body,  she  looks  upon  death  as  a  happy  trans- 


48 


Of  the  Structure  of 


n)utation,  which,  by  disengaging  the  seed  from  its  cover- 
ing,  will  give  a  new  being  to  the  plant.  "  O  death,  where 
is  then  thy  sting!  O  grave,  where  is  thy  victory!" 

The  Thorax  or  breast,  is  situated  between  the  belly 
and  neck.  The  front  part  is  commonly  called  the  breast; 
the  posterior  part  the  back,  and  the  lateral  parts  the  right 
and  left  sides. 

Before  we  take  notice  of  the  internal  parts,  it  may  be 
proper  to  speak  of  the  mammas  or  breasts. 

These  are  two  glandular  bodies,  of  a  roundish  oval 
figure,  most  remarkable  in  women.  The  time  of  their 
growing  full  in  the  female  is  about  the  age  of  fourteen  or 
fifteen,  and  that  of  their  decreasing,  is  about  the  fiftieth 
year.  The  breasts  are  composed  of  a  vast  multitude  of 
minute  vessels  to  secrete  the  milk  from  the  blood.  These 
vessels,  as  they  approach  the  nipple,  fall  into,  and  form 
eight  or  ten  larger  pipes,  which  are  connected  together 
with  admirable  skill,  that,  in  case  of  any  obstruction  or 
accident  in  any  one  or  more  of  them,  the  milk  might 
not  be  obstructed. 

The  swelling  of  the  breasts  during  the  time  of  ges- 
tation, is  owing  to  the  consent  between  them  and  the 
womb. 

The  cavity  of  the  breast  is  lined  by  a  fine  smooth 
membrane,  named  pleura,  and  contains  those  two  grand 
organs,  the  heart  and  lungs. 

The  Lungs  are  divided  into  two  larger  portions,  call- 
ed lobes;  the  one  on  the  right,  and  the  other  on  the  left 
side. 

The  vessels  which  enter  the  lungs,  are  the  trachea  or 
wind-pipe,  by  which  we  draw  in  the  air,  the  pulmonary 
artery,  which  comes  from  the  right  ventricle  of  the  heart, 
and  the  pulmonary  vein,  whose  trunk  opens  into  the 
left  ventricle  of  the  heart;  each  of  these  divides  into  two 
branches. 

The  lungs  differ  from  every  other  part  of  the  body  in 
this  respect;  the  wind-pipe,  in  its  minutest  ramifica- 
tions, passes  through  all  parts  of  its  substance,  terminate 


the  Human  Machine. 


49 


ing  every  where  in  air  vesicles  for  the  grand  purpose  of 
respiration,  which  keeps  it  in  a  continued  state  of  action 
and  re-action.  Hence,  when  the  lungs  are  diseased,  their 
motion  is  not  only  increased  by  the  respiration  being* 
quickened,  but  they  suffer  violent  concussion  by  the 
means  of  coughing.  This  circumstance  renders  disor 
ders  of  the  lungs  more  peculiarly  difficult  to  cure. 

The  Heart  is  a  strong,  active,  indefatigable,  muscular 
body,  of  a  conical  figure,  included  in  an  exceedingly 
strong  membranous  bag,  called  the  pericardium  or 
heart-purse,  and  situated  in  the  cavity  of  the  chest.  It 
has  two  separate  cavities,  called  ventricles,  out  of  which 
issue  the  two  large  arteries  of  the  human  body,  one  • 
called  pulmonary,  or  artery  of  the  lungs,  the  other  aorta, 
or  large  artery  of  the  body,  fram  which  all  the  other  ar- 
teries go  off,  as  'branches  of  a  tree  from  its  trunk,  divid- 
ing themselves  into  minute  ramifications  in  their  pro- 
gress. Near  the  mouths  of  these  two  ventricles  are  two 
other  hollovv^s,  which,  from  their  similitude  to  dog's 
ears,  are  called  auricles,  into  which  the  veins,  returning 
from  all  parts  of  the  body  with  the  blood,  empty  them- 
selves, through  two  large  trunks  or  channels.  It  has  two 
motions  called  systole  and  diastole;  the  former  is  when 
it  contracts  itself,  and  thereby  forces  the  bjood  into  the 
arteries.  The  diastole  is  when  it  relaxes  itself,  and  re- 
ceives the  blood  from  the  veins.  The  ventricles  of  the 
heart  are  each  capable  of  receiving  an  ounce  of  blood  or 
more,  and  therefore  being  full  in  their  diastole,  wc  may 
suppose  that  they  throw  out  at  least  one  ounce  of  blood 
each  systole.  The  heart  contracts  .about  four  thousand 
times  in  an  hour,  more  or  less,  according  to  the  differ- 
ent temperaments,  sexes  and  ages;  and,  therefore,  there 
pass  through  the  heart  every  hour,  four  thousand  ounces, 
or  two  hundred  and  fifty  pounds  weight  of  blood.  Now 
the  common  opinion  is,  that  the  whole  mass  of  blood 
does  not  exceed  twenty-five  pounds,  and,  therefore,  ac- 
cording to  this  allowance,  a  quantity  of  blood  equal  to 
the  whole  mass,  passes  through  the  heart  ten  times  in 
an  hour,  that  is  about  an  ounce  every  second.  If 

G 


50 


Of  the  Structure  of 


the  heart  contract  eighty  times  in  a  minute,  then  twenty- 
five  pounds  weight  of  blood  pass  through  its  ventricles 
once  in  five  minutes,  or  twelve  times  in  an  hour. — The 
farther  the  blood  moves  from  the  heart,  its  velocity  de- 
creases as  the  artery  divides  into  more  branches,  so 
much  so,  that  the  blood  moves  5233  times  slower  in 
some  capillary  arteries  than  it  does  in  the  aorta  or  great 
artery.  The  blood  is  received  from  the  arteries  into  the 
veins,  where  it  still  moves  more  slowlv  as  it  returns  to 
the  heart  again.  The  arteries  arc  to  the  veins  as  324  to 
441,  and  consequently  the  blood  moves  in  the  veins 
above  7116  times  slower  than  it  does  in  the  aorta. 
The  heart  is  the  grand  organ  of  the  circulation  of  the 
.  blood,  and,  consequently,  of  life.  Impelled  by  this  beat- 
ing engine,  part  of  the  blood  shoots  upward;  and  sweeps, 
with  a  bounding  impetus,  into  the  head.  There  it  im- 
pregnates the  prolific  fields  of  the  brain;  and  forms 
those  subtile  spirituous  dews,  which  impart  sense  to 
ever)'^  nerve,  and  communicate  motion  to  every  limb. — 
Part  flows  downward;  rolls  the  reeking  current  through 
all  the  lower  quarters;  and  dispenses  the  nutrimental 
stores,  even  to  the  meanest  member,  and  the  minutest 
vessel. 

Observe,  how  the  stately  Thames^  and  the  lordly  Po- 
tomac^ refresh  the  forest  and  groves;  water  the  towns 
which  crowd  their  banks;  and  make  the  meadows  they 
intersect,  laugh  and  sing.  So,  only  with  an  incompara- 
bly richer  fluid,  and  with  inflnitely  more  numerous 
streams,  this  human  river  laves  the  several  regions  of 
tlic  body,  transfusing  vigour,  and  propagating  health 
through  the  whole.  The  living  flood  never  discontinues 
its  interchangeable  tide;  but,  night  and  day,  whether  we 
sleep  or  wake,  still  perseveres  to  sally  briskly  through  the 
arteries,  and  return  softly  through  the  veins. 

Such  astonishing  expedients  are  used  to  elaborate  the 
chyle,  to  blend  it  with  the  blood,  and  to  distribute  both 
through  the  body,  that  the  animal  constitution  is  perfect- 
ly maintained.  In  youth,  its  bulk  is  increased;  in  age, 
its  decays  are  repaired;  and  it  is  kept  in  tenantable  con- 
dition for  the  soul,  during  the  space  of  seventy  or  eighty 
years. 


the  Human  Machine, 


51 


The  doctrine,  taught  by  the  immortal  Harvey,  the 
discoverer  of  the  circulation  of  the  blcod,  is,  that  all  the 
veins  of  the  body  falling  into  two  trunks,  viz.  the  as- 
cending and  descending  cava,  empty  themselves  into  the 
right  auricle  of  the  heart.  The  right  auricle  unloads  into 
the  right  ventricle  of  the  heart,  which  throws  the  blood 
through  the  pulmonary  artery,  into  the  lungs,  by  its  two 
branches,  which  go  to  the  right  and  left  lobes. 

From  the  lungs  the  blood  is  brought  back  by  the  pul- 
monary veins,  into  the  left  auricle,  and  thence  it  passes 
into  the  left  ventricle,  from  which  it  is  distributed 
through  the  body  by  the  aorta,  or  large  artery  and  its 
branches.  These  terminate  in  the  veins  of  tl>e  body, 
which  collect  the  blood  and  bring  it  back  to  the  heart, 
by  the  two  cava,  or  large  veins. 

In  other  words,  the  blood  is  conveyed  from  the  left 
ventricle  of  the  heart  by  the  aorta  and  its  branches,  to 
the  minutest  and  most  remote  parts  of  the  body,  and 
then,  passing  from  the  extremities  of  the  smallest  arte- 
ries into  the  incipient  veins,  circulates  through  them  into 
their  larger  branches,  and  so  on  into  the  right  auricle  of 
the  heart,  thence  into  the  right  ventricle,  whence  it  is^ 
forced  (with  the  fresh  supplies  that  it  receives  from  the 
chyle  in  passing  through  the  subclavian  vein)  into  the 
pulmonary  artery,  and  after  circulating  through,  and  be- 
ing acted  upon  by  the  lungs,  in  its  passage  through  them, 
is  returned  by  the  pulmonary  vein,  into  the  left  auricle, 
and  thence  into  the  left  ventricle,  and  so  on,  the  same 
round,  until  death  concludes  the  progress. 

There  is  in  the  consideration  of  the  organs  perform- 
ing the  circulation  of  the  blood,  an  air  of  grandeur  that 
seizes  forcibly  on  the  mind,  and  penetrates  it  with  the 
highest  admiration. 

V/ e  perceive  that  the  blood,  every  time  it  is  returned 
to  the  right  ventricle  of  the  heart,  is  direcdy  dispersed 
through  the  lungs,  and  immediately  reconveyed  to  the 
heart,  before  it  is  permitted  to  begin  a  new  circulation. 
In  the  study  of  nature  throughout  all  her  work,  how- 
ever complex  the  machine,  the  utility  of  each  part  ever 
claims  the  admiratipn  of  the  speculative  mind.  The  ob- 


52 


Of  the  Structure  of 


servation  is  beautifully  illustrated  on  the  present  occa- 
sion, and  "  I  believe  it  will  be  admitted  by  every  one 
(says  the  ingenious  Author  of  the  Medical  Extracts) 
that  the  blood,  after  having  performed  one  round, 
throughout  the  animal  economy,  undergoes  some  new 
and  important  change  in  its  transit  through  the  lungs, 
especialiv  requisite  to  support  a  second  circulation. — 
This  change  is  certainly  the  oxygenation  of  the  blood, 
and  we  should  expect  if  oxygen  be  the  natural  stimulus 
to  the  heart,  and  arteries,  that  their  pulsation  would  be 
Ui  proportion  as  the  blood  had  access  to  this  principle." 

That  animal  heat  depends  upon  the  action  of  the  arte- 
ries, and  the  circulation  of  the  blood  in  general,  is  very 
natural  to  imagine;  because  whatever  increases  the  ve- 
locity of  the  circulation,  whether  exercise,  friction,  or 
disease,  also  increases  the  internal  heat;  whereas  faint- 
ing, hemorrhage,  and  whatever  produces  a  weak  and 
languid  circulation,  also  diminishes  the  heat  of  the  body. 

VVhen  a  ligature  is  put  around  an  artery,  so  as  to 
prevent  the  blood  from  being  carried  to  any  particular 
limb,  that  limb  becomes  colder  than  it  was,  and  does 
not  recover  its  natural  heat,  until  by  removal  of  the  liga- 
ture, or  the  expansion  of  the  branches,  which  go  oft' 
from  above  the  ligature,  the  usual  quantity  of  blood  is 
circulated  through  the  limb. 

The  intimate  connexion  which  subsists  between  the 
life  of  man  and  the  air  he  breathes,  was  entertained  in 
the  remotest  ages.  Some  even  supposed  that,  speaking 
of  the  creation,  when  Moses  says,  God  breathed  into 
man  the  breath  of  life,"  he  alludes  to  this  intimate 
union.  It  is  thus  with  a  new-born  infant;  the  first  thing 
we  do  is  to  infuse  into  his  nostrils  the  breath  of  Hfe." 
For  until  the  lungs  are  expanded,  and  the  venal  or  pur- 
ple blood  is  changed  into  arterial  or  crimson,  in  that  or- 
gan, the  heart  does  not  contract,  nor  the  arteries  vibrate; 
and,  like  a  clock,  that  is  not  wound  up,  though  sound 
in  all  its  parts,  they  remain  entirely  at  rest.  In  the  clock, 
if  but  wind  it  up,  the  main-spring  applying  its  pow- 
ers, all  the  wheels  are  immediately  put  into  motion,  and 
it  marks  its.  hours  and  minutes;  so,  likewise,  in  the  ani- 


the  Human  Machine, 


53 


mal  macliine,  the  blood  in  the  lungs  having  imbibed  the 
vital  principle  from  the  air,  the  heart  acquires  its  actions, 
the  brain  its  energy,  the  nerves  their  sensibility,  and  the 
other  subordinate  springs  of  life  presently  resume  their 
respective  functions. 

No  organ  c*an  be  severely  aft'ected  without  affecting 
the  heart,  and  disturbing  its  functions,  nor  can  the  heart 
be  in  the  smallest  degree  affected,  without  disturbing 
every  function  of  the  animal  economy. 

But  the  heart  is  not  only  affected  by  what  injures  the 
body,  but  also  by  what  ruffles  the  mind.  Rage  occa- 
sions frequent  and  forcible  contractions;  sorrow,  slow 
and  languid  ones;  and  there  are  instances  of  violent  pas- 
sions suspending  the  contractions  of  the  heart  altogether, 
and  occasioning  death.  The  heart  is  not  only  affected 
by  whatever  hurts  the  body  or  mind  of  the  person,  to 
whom  it  belongs,  but  also  by  what  hurts  the  bodies  or 
minds  of  others.  But  the  extent  of  this  kind  of  sympa- 
thy differs  greatly  in  different  persons.  In  some  it  em- 
braces children,  friends,  relations,  countrymen,  and  in  a 
certain  degree,  the  whole  human  race;  in  others,  it  seems 
to  be  entirely  confined  within  the  limits  of  their  own  bo- 
dies, or  at  most,  reaches  with  a  blunted  sensibility,  no 
farther  than  to  those  whom  they  conceive  to  be  their 
own  offspring.  While  the  blood  is  in  circulation,  vari- 
ous liquors  are  separated  from  it  by  a  process  called 
secretion,  all  these  secretions  being  necessary  for  the 
health  and  preservation  of  animal  life.  When  it  is  taken 
from  the  vein  by  the  usual  mode  of  bleeding,  and  left 
to  itself,  it  soon  congeals,  and  appears  to  be  composed 
of  two  distinct  parts,  called  crassamentum,  or  solid,  and 
serum,  or  liquid.  In  a  mass  of  healthy  human  blood, 
about  one  half  is  crassamentum,  which  hath  the  red  co- 
lour to  itself.  The  serum  in  a  healthy  state  is  almost 
colourless;  at  other  times  it  is  yellowish,  or  of  a  green- 
ish hue,  while  the  top  of  the  crassamentum  has  differ- 
ent degrees  of  firmness,  and  puts  on  different  appear- 
ances, with  respect  to  colour,  according  to  the  consti- 
tution and  health  of  the  subject,  from  which  it  is  taken. 
A  due  proportion  of  the  respective  parts  of  the  blood  is 
necessary  to  perfect  health. 


54 


Of  the  Structure  of 


The  Diaphragm  or  Midriff  is  a  large,  thin,  broad 
muscle,  thiit  divides  the  breast  from  the  belly. 

The  uses  of  the  midriff  are,  first,  to  assist  in  respira- 
tioji,  for,  in  taking  in  the  breath,  it  is  pressed  down- 
wards, and  in  expiration,  it  rises  upwards  into  the 
cavity  of  the  breast:  secondly,  to  assist  the  necessary 
motions  of  the  stomach,  intestines,  liver  aiid  spleen; 
and  for  assisting  the  expulsion  of  the  faeces,  the  urine, 
the  foetus  in  parturition,  and  of  the  secundines  or  after 
birth.  It  marks  our  passions  by  its  irregular  actions,  as 
sighing,  yawning,  coughing,  laughing.  It  is  affected  by 
spasms  as  in  hiccough. 

The  Abdomen  or  Belly  lies  between  the  breast  and 
pelvis,  which  is  formed  by  the  juncture  of  the  haunch 
bones. 

The  belly  contains  many  of  the  principal  parts  of  the 
human  body,  as  the  stomach,  the  intestines,  liver, 
spleen,  pancreas,  kidneys,  bladder,  &c. — On  its  inside 
it  is  lined  with  a  membrane  called  peritoneum,  which  is 
capable  of  a  very  great  extension;  and  afterwards  can 
contract  itself  to  its  ordinary  size,  as  we  see  in  preg- 
nancy, dropsy,  corpulency,  and  repletion. 

The  Stomach  may  be  considered  a  dilatation  of  the 
oesophagus  or  gullet,  as  it  is  a  continuation  of  the  same 
tube.  Its  figure  nearly  resembles  the  pouch  of  .  a  bag- 
pipe, and  has  two  orifices,  the  one  above  from  the  gul- 
let, through  which  it  receives  the  crude  aliment,  the 
other  below,  whereby  it  conveys  the  partially  digested 
food  or  chyme  into  the  duodenum. 

Before  the  food  enters  the  .euiiet,  it  must  of  necessity 
pass  over  the  orifice  of  the  wind  pipe;  consequently  must 
be  in  very  imminent  danger  ol  failing  upon  the  lungs, 
which  would,  if  not  entirely  obstruct  the  breath,  yet 
occasion  violent  coughing,  and  great  inconveniencies. 
To  obviate  this  evil,  the  all  foreseeing  contriver  has 
placed  a  moveable  lid,  or  hung  a  cartilaginous  draw- 
bridge; which,  when  any  of  the  smallest  particle  of  food 
advances  to  enter  the  stomach,  is  pulled  down,  and  shut 


the  Human  Machine* 


55 


close;  but  the  very  moment  the  morsel  is  swallowed,  it 
is  -et  loose  and  stands  open.  By  this  two-fold  artifice, 
the  important  passage  is  always  barred  and  made  sure 
against  any  noxious  approaches;  yet  is  always  left  free 
for  the  necessary  accession  of  air,  and  commodious  for 
the  purpose  of  respiration. 

When  the  malster  prepares  his  grain  for  the  trans- 
mutation of  the  brew-house,  he  suffers  it  to  lie  several 
hours  steeping  in  the  cistern,  before  it  is  fit  to  be  spread 
upon  the  floor,  or  dried  on  the  kiln.  The  meat  and  drink 
likewise  must  remain  a  considerable  time  in  the  stomach 
before  they  are  of  a  proper  consistence  and  temperature, 
either  for  the  tender  coats,  or  the  delicate  operation  of 
the  bowels.  For  which  purpose  that  great  receiver  is 
made  strong  to  bear,  capacious  to  hold,  and  so  curiously 
contrived,  as  to  lay  a  temporary  embargo  upon  its  con- 
tents. Here  they  are  lodged  in  the  very  centre  of  warmth^, 
and  concocted  by  the  most  kindly  combination  of  heat 
and  humidity.  Here  they  are  saturated  with  other  fer- 
menting or  diluting  juices;  and  are  kneaded,  as  it  were, 
by  the  motion  of  the  stomach,  and  compression  of  the 
neighbouring  parts.  So  that  every  the  minutest  frag- 
ment is  separated;  the  whole  is  reduced  to  a  tenuity 
abundantly  finer  than  the  exactest  grinding  could  effect; 
and  all  is  worked  up  into  the  smoothest,  most  nicely 
mixed  pulp  imaginable.  From  hence  it  is  dislodged  by 
a  gentle  acting  force,  and  passes  by  a  gradual  transition 
into  the  cavity  of  the  intestines. 

The  Intestines  form  one  continued  canal  from  the  sto- 
mach to  the  anus,  which  is  usually  five  or  six  times  the 
length  of  the  individual.  It  is  curiously  convoluted  in 
the  abdomen,  and  is  extremely  irritable.  Although  one 
entire  tube,  anatomists  have  divided  it  into  the  small 
and  great  intestines.  The  small  intestines  are  called  duo- 
denum, jejunum,  and  ilium;  the  larger  are  the  caecum^ 
colon,  and  rectum. 

The  Duodenum,  so  called,  because  it  is  generally 
twelve  inches  long  in  adults,  is  the  widest  and  shortest 
of  the  small  intestines.  At  a  short  distance  from  where 


56 


Of  the  Structure  of 


it  joins  the  stomach,  it  receives  two  ducts,  the  one  from 
the  liver,  bringing  the  bile,  and  the  other  from  the  pan- 
creas, or  sweet  bread,  bringing  its  liquor  to  complete 
the  digestion  of  the  food.  The  second  gut  is  the  jeju- 
num, so  called,  from  its  being  usually  found  empty ^  its 
numerous  lacteal  vessels  having  absorbed  the  chyle,  i 

The  Ilium  is  the  third  and  last  of  the* small  intestines. 
The  great  length  of  the  small  guts  is  evidently  for  the 
convenience  of  a  greater  number  of  lacteals,  that  the 
chyle  which  misses  their  orifices  in  one  place  may  not 
escape  them  in  another. 

The  Caecum,  or  blind  gut,  is  a  pouch,  as  it  were,  of 
the  Colon,  about  three  inches  long,  and  called  blind, 
from  its  being  out  of  the  direction  of  the  passage  of  the 
food. 

The  Colon  is  the  greatest  and  widest  of  all  the  intes- 
tines, about  eight  or  nine  hands'  breadth  long,  and  by 
lying  so  contiguous  to  all  the  bowels,  it  communicates 
all  the  benefits  of  the  injections  thrown  into  it. 

When  the  Colon  is  affected,  there  is  a  sense  of  weight, 
tliough  the  pain  is  not  very  acute;  whereas,  in  the  small 
guts  there  is  not  any  sense  of  weight,  but  an  acute  pain. 
Sometimes  a  pain  in  the  colon  attended  with  fever,  the 
pain  extending  to  the  ribs,  gives  a  suspicion  of  pleurisy, 
though  the  colon  only  is  affected. — The  colon  is  narrow- 
er on  the  right  side  than  elsewhere,  whence  colic  pains 
arise  more  frequently,  and  are  more  severe  in  this  part. 
The  excrements  are  long  retained  here,  and  often  are 
much  indurated  before  they  pass  farther  on. 

The  Rectum  or  straight  gut,  is  about  a  hand's  breadth 
and  a  half  long.  It  begins  where  the  last  curvature  of 
the  colon  ends,  and  is  terminated  at  the  fundament.  At 
its  termination  it  is  surrounded  by  circular  muscular 
fibres,  called  the  sphincter  ani,  to  retain  the  fasces. 

The  intestines  are  not  left  to  move  at  random  in  the 
cavity  of  the  abdomen,  but  are  artfully  tied  down  by  a 
membranous  web,  which  prevents  their  circumvolu- 
tions from  being  entangled  in  each  other,  at  the  same 
time  allowing  a  gende,  but  animated  motion.  That  part 
of  it  which  is  connected  with  the  small  intestines  is 


the  Human  Machine, 


57 


called  mesentery,  the  other  part  fastened  to  the  colon, 
mesocolon: — All  the  intestines  have  in  their  inner  mem- 
brane an  almost  infinite  number  of  very  small  glands, 
whose  office  it  is  to  discharge  into  the  intestines  a  li- 
quor  for  the  attenuation  of  the  chyle,  for  lubricating  the 
intestines,  and  in  the  large  guts  to  soften  ihe  fasces,  that 
they  may  be  evacuated  vvhhout  pain.  The  intestinal  ca- 
val  serves  to  complete  the  first  digestion,  strain  off  the 
chyle,  and  carry  off  the  fasces. 

Had  the  intestine  been  straight  and  slwi^t,  the  food 
might  have  gone  through  them,  without  resigning  a 
sufficient  cjuantity  of  its  nourishing  particles.  Therefore 
this  grandest  of  all  the  vital  ducts  is  artfully  convolved, 
and  greatly  extended,  to  afford  an  opportunity  of  sifting 
more  thoroughly  whatever  passes,  and  of  detaining  what- 
ever may  serve  its  purposes.  Though  the  alimentary 
substance  can  never  mistake  its  way,  yet  it  may,  through 
some  accidental  impediment,  attempt  to  return  back* 
ward.  Tn  this  case  a  valve  intervenes,  and  renders  what 
would  be  extremely  pernicious  almost  impracticable. 

Upon  a  survey  of  the  use  of  the  stomach  and  intes- 
tines, we  cannot  avoid  being  struck  with  wonder  at  its 
apparent  simplicity,  answering  so  many  salutary  pur- 
poses. As  soon  as  we  take  our  food,  it  is  received  into 
a  place  in  all  points  calculated  to  render  it  fit  for  yield- 
ing its  nutritious  contents.  At  first,  the  food  taken  into 
the  stomach,  retaining  its  peculiar  properties,  irritates 
the  coat  of  that  organ,  and  occasions  a  contraction  of  its 
two  orifices.  The  food  thus  confined  then  undergoes  a 
constant  agitation  by  means  of  the  abdominal  muscles, 
and  of  the  diaphragm,  and  by  the  motion  of  the  fibres  of 
the  stomach  itself.  By  these  movements  every  part  of  the 
food  is  exposed  to  the  action  of  a  fluid  secreted  in  the 
stomach,  called  the  gastric  juice,  which  gradually  dis- 
solves and  attenuates  the  food,  and  prepares  it  for  its 
passage  into  and  farther  change  in  the  intestines. 

The  painful  sensation  of  hunger,  which  is  the  irrita^ 
tion  of  the  gastric  juice  on  the  coat  of  the  stomach,  or 
a  sensation  of  a  defective  supply  of  chyle  in  the  arterial 
system,  being  removed  by  the  food,  we  soon  feel  a  mild 

H 


58 


Of  the  Structure  of 


and  undescribable  delight,  first,  from  the  Stimulus  of 
the  aliment,  and  secondly,  from  the  distention  of  this, 
and  the  increased  action  of  other  parts. 

The  aliment  having  remained  during  two  or  more 
hours  in  the  stomach,  is  converted  first  into  a  greyish 
pulp,  which  is  called  chyle.  This  fluid  passes  out  of  the 
right  orifice,  the  fibres  of  which  relax  to  allow  it  to  es- 
cape; while  the  grosser  and  less  altered  particles  remain 
in  the  stomach  till  they  acquire  a  sufficient  fluidity  to 
pass  into  the  intestinal  canal.  As  the  digested  food  en- 
ters the  duodenum,  it  stimulates  the  common  duct  of 
the  gall-bladder,  from  which  it  receives  a  full  supply  of 
bile,  and  of  saliva,  secreted  from  the  pancreas. 

The  Chyle^  drawn  oflf  by  all  the  secretory  orifices,  is 
carried  along  millions  of  the  finest  ducts,  and  lodged  in 
several  commodious  cells.  As  a  traveller,  by  taking  pro- 
per refreshments  on  the  road,  is  better  qualified  to  pur- 
sue his  journey;  so  the  chyle,  diverted  to  those  little 
inns,  is  mixed  with  a  thin,  diluting,  watery  substance, 
which  renders  it  more  apt  to  flow,  and  more  fit  for  use. 
Hence  it  is  conveyed  to  one  common  receptacle^  and 
mounts  through  a  perpendicular  tube.  When  provision 
or  ammunition  is  transmitted  to  an  army,  it  generally 
passes  under  an  escort  of  able  troops.  As  this  is  the 
immediate  support,  and  principal  nourishment  of  the 
whole  system,  its  conveyance  is  guarded  with  peculiar 
caution.  The  perpendicular  vessel  that  conveys  it,  not 
having  sufficient  force  of  its  own,  is  laid  contiguous  to 
the  great  artery,  whose  strong  pulsation  drives  on  the 
creeping  fluid,  enables  it  to  overcome  the  steep  ascent, 
and  unload  its  precious  treasure  at  the  very  door  of  the 
heart.  Here  it  enters  the  trunk  of  a  large  vein,  which  is 
secured  by  a  valve  admirably  constructed  to  prevent  the 
refluent  blood,  in  case  it  should  offer  to  return;  but  opens 
a  free,  safe  and  easy  avenue  to  introduce  this  milk,  this 
manna  of  nature. 

The  Blood,  through  every  stage  of  its  simple  circuit, 
having  sustained  great  expenses;  being  laid  under  con- 


the  Human  Machine. 


59 


tribution  by  every  gland  in  the  whole  system;  and  hav- 
ing supplied  myriads  of  the  capillary  vessels  with  mat- 
ter for  insensible  perspiration,  must  be  very  much  tm- 
paverished;  but  is  most  opportunely  recruited  by  this 
accession  of  chyle. 

Besides  the  uses  above  specified,  appropriated  to  the 
stomach  and  intestines,  there  is  another  very  consider- 
able one  bestowed  on  them,  particularly  the  former,  by 
which  impressions  are  diffused  to  almost  every  part  of 
the  machine,  and  from  which  all  the  sensible  pans  of  the 
body  receive  very  peculiar  and  extraordinary  advan- 
tages. We  mean  that  of  conveying  action  to  different 
parts,  and  feeling  the  effect  from  these  sympathetically 
and  instantaneously.  For  instance,  a  glass  of  wine  or 
brandy,  received  into  the  stomach  of  a  person  exhaust- 
ed with  fatigue  and  ready  to  faint,  gives  instantaneous 
spirits  and  fresh  vigour.  This  must  proceed  from  the 
manner  it  affects  the  nerves  of  the  stomach,  and  their 
being  sympathized  with  by  the  rest  of  the  body,  as  there 
is  not  time  for  the  liquor  to  be  conveyed  into  the  blood 
in  the  usual  manner. 

The  Stomach  is  not  only  more  universally  sympathiz- 
ed with  than  otherorgans,  but  also  hath  a  greater  number 
of  distinct  reciprocal  sympathies  with  particular  parts  of 
the  body  than  any  other  organ.  A  blow  on  the  head  oc- 
casions vomiting.  A  disordered  stomach  often  excites 
a  head-ach.  The  head-ach,  which  is  apt  to  come  after 
drinking  too  much  wine,  or  other  strong  liquors,  cer- 
tainly proceeds  from  the  stomach,  and  sometimes  is  di- 
minished or  entirely  removed  by  a  dram.  A  stomach 
disordered  by  indigestion,  is  often  accompanied  with 
flushings  in  the  face,  with  palpitations  at  the  heart,  with 
difficult  breathing,  with  dejection  of  spirits,  with  an  un- 
common sensibility  to  any  unexpected  sight  or  noise, 
and  with  giddiness. 

The  Omentum  or  Caul  is  a  fine  membrane  like  net- 
work, larded  with  fat.  It  is  situated  under  the  perito- 
neum, and  immediately  above  the  intestines,  on  the  sur- 


60 


Of  the  Structure  of 


face,  resembling  an  apron  tucked  up.  It  serves  to  lubri- 
cate the  intestines,  that  they  may  the  easier  perform 
their  peristaltic  motion,  to  cherish  and  defend  them  froth 
cold,  and  to  assist  in  the  formation  of  the  bile.  It  serves 
also  to  temper  the  acrimony  of  the  humours,  and  pro- 
babl}-,  to  give  nourishment  to  the  body,  as  all  the  other 
fat  is  supposed  to  do,  when  it  is  incapable  oi'  being 
nourished  any  other  way. 

The  Liver  is  situated  immediately  below  the  dia- 
phragm or  midriff,  on  the  right  side.  It  reaches  as  far 
back  almost  as  the  spine  or  back  bone,  and  rests  upon 
the  rip;ht  kidney.  It  is  the  largest  gland  in  the  body,  and 
is  divided  into  two  unequal  parts,  called  lobes.  Except 
for  the  vessels,  which  are  very  numerous,  the  liver  would 
be  very  soft,  and  like  a  piece  of  congealed  blood. 

The  great  use  of  the  liver  is  to  secrete  the  bile.  It  is 
the  seat  of  various  disorders,  hiflammation,  abcess,  scir- 
rhus,  &c.  and  in  most  of  them,  the  countenance  hath  a 
pale  colour,  or  a  yellowish  one,  with  a  greenish  cast. 
There  is  one  circumstance  not  much  attended  to  with 
respect  to  the  situation  of  the  liver,  its  large  or  right 
lobe  occupies  the  whole  half  of  the  belly  where  it  lies 
from  the  spine  to  the  inside  of  the  ribs,  laying  over  the 
upper  part  of  the  kidneys.  Now,  this  position  of  the  liv- 
er is  not  often  considered,  for  when  any  person  hath  a 
pain  in  the  small  of  the  back,  they  say  very  readily  it  is 
in  the  kidneys,  but  if  it  is  a  little  higher  up  in  their 
back,  it  is  seldom,  if  ever,  thought  to  be  in  the  liver, 
though  it  most  undoubtedly  may,  as  its  posterior  edge 
lays  on  that  part,  on  the  right  side. 

The  Gall  Bladder^  or  receptacle  of  bile,  is  fixed  to 
the  under  side  of  the  liver.  Punctual  as  a  porter  in  his 
lodge,  it  waits,  ready  to  pour  its  acrimonious,  but  salu- 
tary juices  on  the  aliment,  as  it  advances  from  the  sto- 
mach; which  dissolve  its  remaining  viscidhies,  support 
the  peristaltic  motion  of  the  intestines,  and  greatly  assist 
in  completing  the  digestion. 

Such  is  the  importance  of  the  bile  in  our  constitution, 


the  Human  Machine, 


61 


and  the  ill  consequence  of  an  error  in  it,  that  every  aid 
is  desirable,  by  which  our  knowledge  of  its  nature  can 
be  promoted.  When  there  is  a  defect  of  bile,  it  disposes 
the  body  to  various  diseases;  as  melancholy,  indigestion, 
and  obstruction  of  the  viscera,  &c.  When  there  is  a  re- 
dundancy of  bile,  or  it  offends  the  stomach  by  its  acri- 
mony, it  causes  chilliness,  shivering,  and  great  anxiety. 
It  is  certain,  that  in  fevers,  the  bile  is  not  only  plenti- 
fully generated,  but  is  also  peccant  in  its  quality,  and 
whence,  if  not  duly  evacuated,  it  must  be  productive 
of  many  disagreeable  symptoms;  hence  the  importance 
of  a  soluble  belly  in  febrile  disorders. 

The  Pancreas,  or  Sweet  Bread,  is  a  large  gland,  si- 
tuated near  the  stomach,  serving  to  secrete  a  liquor  like 
the  saliva,  which  is  discharged,  by  a  short  duct,  into  the 
duodenum. 

The  Spleen  is  situated  under  the  cartilages  of  the  left 
short  ribs.  In  its  natural  and  sound  state,  it  is  about  six 
or  seven  inches  long,  about  three  in  breadth,  and  one 
in  thickness.  It  often  becomes  scirrhous  and  consider- 
ably enlarged  in  persons  who  have  been  frequently  at- 
tacked with  intermittent  fever.  Its  use  is  not  precisely 
known. 

The  Kidneys  are  two  oval  bodies,  situated  in  the  loins, 
contiguous  to  the  two  last  short  ribs;  the  right  under 
the  liver,  and  the  left  under  the  spleen.  They  separate 
the  urine  from  the  blood. 

The  Ureters  are  tubes  about  the  size  of  goose  quills, 
and  about  a  foot  long;  they  arise  from  the  kidneys,  and 
enter  the  bladder  near  its  neck.  They  form  to  them- 
selves, as  it  were,  valves,  so  that,  upon  the  contraction 
of  the  bladder,  the  urine  is  ejected  through  the  urethra, 
its  proper  passage. 

The  Bladder  is  a  membranous  and  fleshy  sack  or  bag, 
capable  of  contraction  and  dilatation,  situated  in  the 


62 


Of  the  Structure  of 


lower  part  of  the  belly.  Around  its  neck  (which  is  longer 
in  men  than  in  women)  there  goes  a  small  sphincter  mus- 
cle, whose  office  it  is  to  contract  the  orifice  of  the  blad- 
der, that  the  urine  may  not  be  involuntarily  discharged. 
The  use  of  the  bladder  is  to  receive  the  urine,  which  is 
perpetually  secreted  into  it  from  the  kidneys. 

The  Uterus  or  JFo?nb,  is  situated  between  the  urinary 
bladder  and  the  Rectum,  or  straight  gut.  It  is  placed, 
by  Divine  wisdom,  in  a  situation  of  great  security,  call- 
ed the  pelvis  or  bason,  being  guarded  on  all  sides  by  the 
strong  bones  that  form  the  basis  of  the  trunk.  In  figure 
it  very  much  resembles  a  pear,  its  broadest  extremity, 
which  is  called  its  bottom,  is  uppermost,  and  its  small 
part,  the  neck,  is  downwards.  The  womb,  when  im- 
pregnated, hath  a  very  small  cavity,  but  becomes  larger 
as  pregnancy  advances,  and  in  the  time  of  delivery,  has 
its  mouth  wonderfully  dilated,  so  as  to  give  passage  to 
the  child. 

About  the  age  of  puberty,  the  blood-vessels  of  the 
uterus  become  distended,  and  secrete  monthly  a  fluid 
which  is  called  menses,  catamenia,  and  vulgarly,  flow- 
ers, courses. 

The  Vagina^  or  neck  of  the  womb,  extends  from  the 
mouth  of  the  uterus  to  the  pudendum  or  external  parts. 
In  women  it  enlarges,  and  like  the  uterus,  in  the  time 
of  birth  dilates  very  much.  Just  within  the  vagina  is  the 
orifice  of  the  urethra,  which  is  shorter,  wider,  and 
straighter  than  in  men. 

Besides  the  womb  and  vagina,  there  are  two  other 
contrivances  which  are  supposed  to  perform  particular 
functions,  in  the  propagation  and  formation  of  our  spe- 
cies,  the  one  called  ovaria,  from  their  retaining  small 
round  substances  of  the  nature  of  eggs,  the  other  fallo- 
pian tubes,  from  their  discoverer  Fallopius. 

The  Fallopian  Tubes  are  situated  on  the  right  and  left 
sides  of  the  womb.  They  rise  from  its  bottom  by  a  nar- 
row beginning,  and  dilate  in  the  form  of  a  trumpet  to 


tlie  Human  Machine, 


63 


their  extremities  at  the  ovaria.  Their  cavity,  where  they 
open  into  the  womb,  will  scarcely  admit*  of  a  hog's  bris- 
tle; but  at  its  widest  part,  it  will  take  in  the  end  of  one's 
little  finger.  The  tubes  are  about  four  or  five  fingers' 
breadth  long. 

They  serve  to  convey  from  the  ovaries  the  rudiments 
of  the  foetus  to  the  womb,  where  they  are  further  deve- 
loped and  perfected. 

The  Ovaria^  or  Ovaries^  are  two  small  bodies,  situa- 
ted on  each  side  of  the  fundus  uteri,  or  bottom  of  the 
womb,  behind  the  fallopian  tubes.  At  the  age  of  puber- 
ty they  are  full  and  plump,  and  continue  so  until  the 
menses  are  about  to  depart.  They  contain  from  ten  to 
twenty  or  more  pellucid  eggs,  which  are  supposed  to 
contain  the  primordia  of  the  foetus. 

The  Testes,  or  Testicles^  are  two  oval  glandular  bo- 
dies, seated  in  the  scrotum,  which  serve  to  secrete  the 
semen  from  the  blood.  The  scrotum,  or  external  cover- 
ing, is  made  up  of  the  scarf  skin,  true  skin,  and  imme- 
diately under  the  latter,  is  a  thick  cellular  texture  closely 
adhering  to  it.  It  is  likewise  composed  of  many  fleshy, 
or  nmscular  fibres,  by  means  of  which  the  scrotum  is 
contracted,  and  is  reckoned  a  sign  of  health. 

The  Prostate  Gland  is  situated  at  the  neck  of  the 
bladder,  and  is  about  the  bigness  of  a  walnut.  By  some 
it  is  supposed  to  secrete  a  fluid  merely  to  lubricate  the 
urethra,  and  by  others,  it  is  deemed  subservient  to  the 
process  of  generation. 

The  Urethra  is  a  canal  or  pipe  of  the  thickness  of  a 
goose  quill,  and  about  twelve  or  thirteen  inches  long, 
which  begins  at  the  neck  of  the  bladder,  and  terminates 
at  the  end  of  the  penis.  Its  inner  membrane  furnishes  a 
mucilaginous  liquor,  serving  to  defend  it  against  the 
acrimony  of  the  urine. 

The  Penis  is  composed  of  two  spongious  bodies,  part 


64  Of  the  Structure  of 

of  the  urethra,  the  glands  or  nut  at  its  extremity,  and 
its  integuments.  The  spongious  bodies  take  their  name 
from  being  porous  like  sponge,  and  capable  of  being  dis- 
tended and  enlarged  by  the  blood  penetrating  their  sub- 
stance, as  in  cases  of  erection.  The  integuments  of  the 
penis  make  a  hood  to  the  glands  or  nut  of  the  yard,  call- 
ed prepuce  or  foreskin.  The  small  ligament,  by  which 
it  is  tied  to  the  under  side  of  the  nut,  is  called  frasnum. 
The  use  of  the  prepuce,  or  foreskin,  is  to  keep  the  nut 
soft  and  moist,  and  to  preserve  its  sensibility.  The  am- 
putation of  it  constitutes  circumcision,  a  practice  recom- 
mended by  Moses  to  the  Jews. 

We  shall  now  conclude  the  anatomical  part  of  the  hu- 
man body,  and  trust  enough  has  been  said,  concise  as  it 
is,  to  give  to  the  uninformed  readers  just  conceptions  of 
the  most  important  parts  of  the  human  machine,  and  its 
natural  action. 

We  see  the  greatest  multiplicity  of  parts,  yet  the 
most  perfect  harmony  subsists  between  them  all.  No 
one  hinders,  but  each  assists  the  operation  of  another, 
and  all  conspire  to  the  benefit  and  preservation  of  the 
whole.  Most  judiciously  has  the  great  apostle  touched 
this  subject;  and  most  happily  applied  it  to  illustrate 
the  reasonableness,  and  enforce  the  practice,  both  of 
personal  and  ^ocia/ duties,  of  private  content,  and  public 
concord. 

The  hody^  he  observes,  is  not  one  member^  but  many^ 
to  each  of  which  some  peculiar  and  needful  office  is  as- 
signed; so  that  the  foot^  though  placed  in  the  lowest  or- 
der, and  destined  to  serve  on  the  very  ground,  has  no 
reason  to  reckon  itself  a  worthless  outcast;  or  to  say. 
Because  lam  not  the  head  I  am  not  of  the  body.  Neither 
has  the  head^  in  its  exalted  station,  and  amidst  its  ho- 
nourable functions,  any  cause  to  despise  the  inferior 
limbs;  or  to  say,  with  contempt  and  self-sufficiency,  / 
have  no  need  of  you, — If  there  were  no  feet,  what  would 
become  of  the  locomotive  faculty?  or  how  could  the 
body  convey  itself  from  one  place  to  another?  If  there 
were  no  hands,  \yhat  should  we  do  for  the  instruments 


the  Human  Machine, 


65 


of  action?  Or  how  could  the  animal  frame  be  defended 
and  accommodaled?  Nay,  the  parts,  which  seem  to  be 
less  honourable^  are  necessary.  Even  those  which  form 
the  sediments,  or  throw  off  the  dregs,  are  of  importance 
to  Hfe  and  its  comforts.  Should  those  be  obstructed  in 
their  action,  the  most  raging  torment  ensues;  should 
the  obstruction  continue,  death  is  the  inevitable  conse- 
quence.— By  this  wise  adjustment  there  is  no  schism  in 
the  body^  no  separate  or  interfering  ends  are  pursued  by 
the  members,  but  the  safety  and  support  of  each  are  the 
one  undivided  care  of  all. 

Thus  should  it  be  among  men,  and  among  Christians. 
There  is  both  a  subordination  of  persons,  and  a  concate- 
nation of  interests;  for  which  reason,  a  general  agree- 
ment should  take  place,  and  a  mutual  subserviency  to 
each  other's  welfare. — The  meanest  have  no  cause  to  be 
dissatisfied  with  their  condition.  To  acquiesce  in  the 
unerring  disposal  of  Providence,  and  cheerfully  to  con- 
tribute their  share  to  the  common  good,  is  alike  the  du- 
ty of  all.  The  highest  should  condescend  to  men  of  low 
estate;  and  maintain  a  regard  to  the  well-being  of  the 
poorest y  as  that  which  is  intimately  connected  with  their 
own.  In  a  word,  each  should  feel  a  tender  concern  for 
all;  rejoicing  in  their  happiness,  and  studying  to  estab- 
lish it;  sympathizing  with  their  miseries,  and  endeavour- 
ing to  heal  them. 

Wise, — wonderfully  wise,  and  eminently  gracious,  is 
the  regulation  both  of  spontaneous  and  involuntary  mo- 
tion. Were  this  regulation  reversed,  what  deplorable 
incpnveniencies  would  take  place,  nay,  what  unavoida- 
ble ruin  must  ensue!  Deplorable  inconveniencies;  if  the 
discharges  of  the  bowels,  or  evacuations  of  the  bladder, 
•^^re  quite  independent  of  our  leave.  Unavoidable  ruin; 
if  the  action  of  the  heart  required  the  co-operation  of  our 
thoughts,  or  the  business  of  respiration  waited  for  the 
concurrence  of  our  will. 

The  will,  in  some  cases,  has  not  so  much  as  a  single 
vote.  In  others,  she  determines  and  commands  like  an  ab- 
solute sovereign;  nor  is  there  a  monarch  upon  earth  so 
punctually  obeyed,  as  this  queen  of  the  human  system- 


66 


Of  the  Structure  of 


If  she  but  intimate  her  pleasure,  the  spirits  run,  they  fly 
to  execute  her  orders;  to  stretch  the  arm,  or  close  the 
hand;  to  farrow  the  brow  with  frowns,  or  dimple  the 
check  w  ith  smiles.  How  easily  as  well  as  punctually^  are 
these  orders  carried  into  execution!  To  turn  the  screw, 
or  work  the  lever,  is  laborious  and  wearisome.  But  we 
move  the  vertebrae,  with  all  their  apparent  chambers; 
\ve  advance  the  leg,  with  the  whole  incumbent  body;  we 
rise  from  our  seat;  we  spring  from  the  ground;  and, 
though  much  force  is  exerted,  though  a  very  consider- 
able weight  is  raised,  we  meet  with  no  difficulty,  we 
complain  of  no  fatigue. 

That  all  this  should  be  effected  without  any  toil,  and 
by  a  bare  act  of  the  will,  is  very  surprising.  But,  that 
these  motions  should  be  made,  renewed,  continued,  even 
while  we  remain  entirely  ignorant  of  the  manner  in 
which  they  are  performed,  is  beyond  measure  astonish- 
ing. Who  can  play  even  a  single  tune  upon  the  piano, 
without  learning  the  dift'erence  of  the  keys,  or  studying 
the  rudiments  of  music?  Impossible!  Yet  the  mind  of 
man  touches  every  string  of  the  human  machine  with 
the  most  masterly  skill,  though  she  knows  nothing  at  all 
concerning  the  nature  of  her  implements,  or  the  process 
of  her  operations.  We  walk,  we  run,  we  leap,  we  throw 
ourselves  into  a  variety  of  postures,  and  perform  a  mul- 
titude of  motions,  yet  are  utterly  unable  to  say  which 
nerve  should  be  active;  what  muscles  should  swell,  or 
what  tendons  approximate. 

Put  a  German  flute  into  the  hand  even  of  a  sen- 
sible person;  without  a  master  to  instruct  him,  he  is  at 
a  loss  to  make  the  instrument  speak;  much  less  is  he 
able  to  sink  and  soften  the  sound,  to  exalt  and  extencyt 
just  as  he  pleases.  Yet  we  are  self-taught  in  the  method 
of  formings  regulating,  and  varying  the  voice.  Naturally, 
and  with  unpremeditated  fluency,  we  give  it  the  lan- 
guishing cadence  of  sorrow,  or  the  sprightly  airs  of  joy; 
the  low  faltering  accents  of  fear,  or  the  elated  tone,  and 
rapid  sallies  of  anger.  We  can  never  sufl&ciently  admire 
this  multiplicity  of  animated  organs;  their  finished  form 
and  their  faultless  order.  Yet  I  must  confess  myself 
struck  with  greater  admiration  at  the  power,  the  truly 


the  Human  Machine, 


67 


mysterious  power  and  sway  which  the  soul  exercises 
over  them.  Ten  thousand  reins  are  put  into  her  hand; 
she  is  not  acquainted  with  their  office,  their  use,  or  their 
name;  she  has  not  learned  so  much  as  to  distinguish 
one  from  another,  nevertheless  she  manages  all,  con- 
ducts all,  without  the  least  perplexity,  or  the  least  irre- 
gularity;  rather  with  a  promptitude,  a  consistency,  and 
a  speed,  which  nothing  else  can  equal!  Since  health  de- 
pends upon  such  a  numerous  assemblage  of  moving 
organs;  since  a  single  secretion  stopped,  may  destroy 
the  salutary  state  of  the  fluids,  or  a  single  wheel  clog- 
ged may  put  an  end  to  the  vital  motion  of  the  so- 
lids; with  what  holy  fear  should  we  pass  the  time  of  our 
sojourning  here  below!  trusting,  for  continual  preserva- 
tion, not  merely  to  our  own  care,  but  to  that  omnipotent 
hand,  which  formed  the  admirable  machine:  that  the 
same  hand  which  formed  it,  may  superintend  its  agency, 
and  support  its  being. 

When  we  consider  the  extensive  contrivance,  and  de- 
licate mechanism, — what  plans  of  geometry  have  been 
laid;  what  operations  of  chemistry  are  performed;  in  a 
word,  what  miracles  of  art  and  elegance  are  executed, 
in  order  to  furnish  us  with  the  necessary  recruits,  and 
the  several  delights  of  life; — is  there  not  abundant  rea- 
son to  cry  out  with  the  inspired  writer,  ^'  How  dear  are 
thy  counsels  unto  me^  0  God!  Thy  counsels  of  creating 
wisdom!  thou  hast  not  been  sparing,  but  even  lavish  of 
thy  indulgent  designs.  Thou  hast  omitted  no  expedient 
which  might  establish  my  ease,  enlarge  my  comforts, 
and  promote,  yea  complete,  my  bodily  happiness;  and 
is  not  this  a  most  endearing  obligation  to  glorify  the 
blessed  God  with  oun  bodies^  as  well  as  with  our 
spirits? 

The  mechanism  of  our  body;  the  connection  and  sub- 
serviency of  all  its  parts  to  a  common  purpose;  the  ex- 
quisite contrivance  of  its  organs,  consisting  of  such  va- 
rious minute  vessels,  interwoven  with  wonderful  art, 
have  led  Anatomists,  in  all  ages,  to  acknowledge  an  in- 
finite, wise  and  powerful  maker.  Among  the  most  pre- 
cious remains  of  antiquity,  are  those  commentaries  of 


68 


Of  the  Structure  of 


Galen,  written  on  the  uses  of  the  several  parts  of  the 
human  body,  as  hymns,  and  offerings  of  praise,  to  the 
great  Creator. 

Is  it,  indeed,  otherwise  conceivable  how  such  consist- 
ency and  harmony  could  have  taken  place  in  the  differ- 
ent parts  of  our  wonderful  frame?  How  they  could  have 
been  so  exactly  fitted  to  each  other,  and  to  the  exterior 
objects  which  have  an  evident  relation  to  them,  and  the 
system  they  compose?  Could  the  bones,  which  in  all 
amount  to  four  hundred,  and  the  muscles,  which  are 
still  more,  and  are  each  so  well  disposed  for  motion,  be 
adjusted  without  a  superior  knowledge  in  mechanics? 
The  eye,  so  admirably  adapted  to  light,  and  appropri- 
ated to  vision,  was  it  formed  without  a  knowledge  of 
optics?  or  the  ear  without  the  science  of  sounds?  Kven 
our  inclinations  and  passions,  those  sources  of  so  much 
apparent  ill,  are,  by  the  Deity,  providentially  rendered 
the  means  of  our  preservation,  both  as  individuals  and  a 
race;  and  the  selfish  and  social  affections,  like  centripe- 
tal and  centrifugal  forces,  conduct  us  with  proper  force, 
to  the  end  intended  by  our  maker  to  be  produced  by 
them.  Yet  the  love  of  life  and  all  its  enjoyments,  the 
fear  of  death  and  all  its  dreadful  harbingers,  and  the  so- 
cial  affections  and  all  their  endearments,  would  not  have 
been  sufficient  security  for  our  carrying  on  the  vital 
motions  with  that  constancy  and  uniformity  necessary 
to  the  preservation  of  life,  if  thus  engaged  these  motions 
had  depended  upon  our  will  and  choice.  Reason  would 
have  deliberated  concerning  them  with  too  much  slow- 
ness, and  volition  would  have  executed  them  often  with 
a  dangerous  and  fatal  caprice.  For,  if  the  heart  had  been 
subject  to  the  souFs  authority,  as  much  as  the  voluntary 
muscles  are;  if  its  motions  could  have  been  suspended 
or  stopped  with  the  same  facility,  death  would  then  have 
cost  us  no  painful  pang;  and,  whenever  the  body  was 
tortured  with  disease,  and  the  mind  in  anguish  from 
grief  or  disappointment,  a  remedy  so  easily  applied 
might  have  been  too  frequently  resorted  to,  and  yet  more 
unfortunate  beings  might  have  rushed  uncalled  into  the 
presence  of  Him  who  stationed  us  for  the  wisest  reasons 


the  Human  Machine* 


69 


here  on  earth.  The  preservation  of  life,  therefore,  great- 
ly depends  on  our  vital  motions  being  entirely  subject 
to  the  wise  government  of  the  Author  of  our  lives,  who 
charges  Himself  with  the  immediate  care  of  them,  and 
of  us.  All  this,  when  attentively  considered,  must  affect 
us  with  a  sense  of  God's  goodness;  who,  respecting  the 
imbecility  of  man's  nature,  hath  been  pleased,  by  appe- 
tites and  passions,  to  excite  him  to  acts  of  self-preser- 
vation; where  the  violence  of  these  might  have  been 
hurtful,  no  less  than  the  slowness  and  instability  of  rea- 
son, hath  taken  our  safety  under  his  more  immediate  di- 
rection. To  attribute  contrivances  like  these,  and  even 
understanding  itself,  to  unintelligent  causes,  rather  than 
to  the  all  wise  Parent  of  Nature,  seems  an  incom- 
prehensible perversion  of  reason  and  philosophy.  That 
mind  must  be  strongly  prepossessed,  and  bewildered 
with  false  science,  which  rather  seeks  for  the  cause  of 
these  involuntary  motions  in  dead  matter,  organization, 
chance,  necessity,  something  that,  without  knowledge 
or  power,  acts  wisely  and  powerfully,  than  in  the  great 
Fountain  of  power  ^  wisdom  and  animation. 

If  chance  could  be  supposed  to  produce  a  regular  de- 
terminate action,  yet  it  is  beyond  the  highest  degree  of 
credulity,  to  suppose  it  could  continue  this  regularity 
for  any  time.  But,  we  find  it  remains  through  life,  incle- 
pendent  of  our  will;  and  the  same  incessant  vital  actions 
have  been  carried  on  from  the  commencement  of  the 
world.  It  is  thus  that  the  sun's  influence  upon  the  earth 
hath  ever  been  regular.  The  production  of  trees,  plants, 
and  herbs,  hath  ever  been  uniform.  Every  seed  pro- 
duces  now  the  same  fruit  it  ever  did. — Every  species 
of  animal  life  is  still  the  same.  Could  chance  continue 
this  regular  arrangement'? — Could  any  thing  continue  it, 
but  the  hand  of  an  Omnipotent  Creator? 

The  human  body  is  exalted  to  a  most  intimate  and 
personal  union  with  the  eternal  Son  of  God.  He  who 
decorated  the  heaven  with  stars,  and  crowned  the  stars 
with  lustre;  He  vouchsafed  to  be  made  flesh,  and  was 
found  in  fashion  as  a  man, — Nay,  this  is  even  now  the 
apparel  of  that  divine  and  adorable  per  so. v.  He  is 


70 


Of  the  Structure  of 


clothed  with  our  nature;  he  wears  our  very  limbs;  and 
appears  in  the  dress  of  humanity,  even  at  the  right  hand 
of  God,  and  at  the  head  of  all  the  heavenly  hosts. 

What  think  you  of  another  privilege  mentioned  by 
the  Apostle?  Your  bodies  are  the  temple  of  the  Holy 
Ghost."  Not  your  souls  only,  but  your  very  bodies, 
are  the  shrine  in  which  the  high  and  holy  one  that  in- 
habiteth  eternity ^  condescends  to  dwell.  He,  who  sitteth 
between  the  cherubim  and  walketh  in  the  circuit  of  the 
skies,  is  pleased  to  sanctify  these  earthly  tenements  for 
his  own  habitation.  And  is  not  this  a  much  grander  em- 
bellishment, than  all  their  matchless  contrivance,  and 
masterly  workmanship? 

Nor  must  I  omit  the  dignity — the  transcendant  dig- 
nity,  which  is  reserved  for  these  systems  of  flesh  at  the 
resurrection  of  the  just.  They  will  then  be  refined  and 
improved  into  the  most  perfect  state,  and  the  most  beau- 
teous form;  surpassing  whatever  is  resplendent  and  ami- 
able in  the  most  ornamental  appearances  of  material  na- 
ture. They  will  be  purer  than  the  unspotted  firmament; 
brighter  than  the  lustre  of  the  stars;  and,  w^hich  exceeds 
all  parallel,  which  comprehends  all  perfection,  they  will 
made  like  unto  Christ's  glorious  body;  like  that  incom- 
parably glorious  body  which  the  blessed  Jesus  wears, 
in  his  celestial  kingdom,  and  on  his  triumphant  throne. 

When  we  add  all  these  magnificent  prerogatives^ 
which  are  revealed  in  scripture,  to  all  those  inimitable 
niceties  which  are  displayed  by  anatomists,  what  thank- 
fulness, what  admiration  can  equal  such  a  profusion  of 
favours? 

Say,  why  was  man  so  eminently  rais'd 
Amid  the  vast  creation,  why  ordain'd 
Through  life  and  death  to  dart  his  piercing  eye, 
With  thoughts  beyond  the  limit  of  his  frame; 
But  that  the  Omnipotent  might  send  him  forth, 
In  sight  of  mortal  and  immortal  powers, 
As  on  a  boundless  theatre,  to  run 


the  Human  Machine,  7 1 

The  great  career  of  justice;  to  exalt 

His  generous  aim  to  all  diviner  deeds; 

To  chace  each  partial  purpose  from  his  breast, 

And,  through  the  tossing  tide  of  chance  and  pain, 

To  hold  his  course  unfaultering,  while  the  voice 

Of  Truth  and  Virtue  up  the  steep  ascent 

Of  nature,  call  him  to  his  high  reward, 

The  applauding  smile  of  Heaven? 

AKENSIDt. 


ON  HYGIEINE; 

OR, 

THE  ART  OF 

PRESERVING  HEALTH, 


Reason's  wliole  pleasure,  all  the  joys  of  sense, 

Lie  in  three  words — Health,  Peace,  and  Competence. 

But  Health,  consists  of  temperance  alone. 

And  Peace,  O  Virtue,  Peace  is  all  thy  own. 

Pope. 

In  the  preceding  chapter  I  have  treated  of  the  struc- 
ture of  the  Human  Body;  and  even  from  the  cursory 
analysis  there  exhibited,  the  reader  must  have  seen  with 
what  propriety  it  has  been  called  "God's  Master  Piece." 
Although  so  numerous  in  its  parts,  so  complicate  in 
its  arrangement,  and  so  passing  delicate  as  to  its  mate- 
rials; yet,  I  hope,  we  shall  show  that  by  due  attention 
to  what  are  termed  the  Non-Naturals,  by  which  are 
meant  air,  food,  exercise,  sleep,  evacuations  and  pas- 
sions, we  shall  go  far  to  preserve  this  fabric  in  good 
health  from  the  cradle  to  the  grave.  Nay,  so  wonderful 
is  the  body  in  its  resources,  I  mean  its  powers  of  re- 
novation; and  so  sovereign  are  the  virtues  of  the  Non- 
Naturals,  that  thousands  are  the  instances  of  persons 


On  Hygieine^  b^c. 


73 


who  after  having  their  health  apparently  ruined  by  an 
aduse  of  them,  have  on  returning  to  a  wise  and  tempe- 
rate use,  entirely  recovered  their  health,  and  attained  to 
a  most  active  and  happy  old  age.  Hence  the  reason  why 
mankind  are  so  often  sick,  is  because  they  so  often  err 
in  the  use  of  these  the  appointed  preservatives  of  life 
and  health. 

To  inculcate  this  truth  more  universally,  I  have  in- 
troduced these  disquisitions  on  the  art  of  preserving 
health,  and  to  render  them  more  acceptable  to  my  read- 
ers have  enlivened  them  with  appropriate  illustrations, 
hoping  thereby  to  make  impressions  as  lasting  as  they 
are  important. 


OF  AIR. 

Thou  cheerful  g-iiardian  of  the  ruling  year, 
Whelhei*  thou  wanton'st  on  the  Western  gale. 
Or  shak'st  the  rigid  pinions  of  the  North, 
DifFiisest  life  and  vigour  through  the  tracts 
Of  air,  thro'  earth  and  ocean's  deep  domain. 

Without  thy  cheerful  active  energy 
No  rapture  swells  the  breast,  no  poet  sings. 
No  more  the  Maids  of  Helicon  delight. 
Come  then  with  me,  O  Goddess  heavenly  gay! 
Begin  the  song;  and  let  it  sweetly  flow. 
And  let  it  sweetly  teach  thy  wholesome  laws; 

How  best  the  fickle  fabric  to  support 
**0f  mortal  man;  in  healthy  body  how 
^'  A  healthful  mind  the  longest  to  maintain." 

Armstrong. 


As  soon  as  an  infant  enters  the  world,  the  air  rushes 
into  its  lungs,  the  circulation  of  the  blood  through  that 
organ  commences,  and  its  life  from  that  moment  de- 
pends "  on  the  breath  that  is  in  its  nostrils,^'  which  is 
incessantly  taken  in  and  thrown  out  of  the  lungs.  While 
the  child  remained  in  the  womb,  it  required  no  external 

K 


74 


On  Hygieme^  or  the  art 


air,  because  it  existed  in  the  blood  which  was  received 
from  its  mother  through  the  umbilical  cord,  or  navel 
string.  But  as  soon  as  the  infant  is  born,  the  air  is  in- 
haled and  the  circulation  is  determined  through  the 
lungs,  which  ever  after  continues  in  that  way — and 
hence  the  necessity  of  breathing,  which  can  never  cease 
but  with  life. 

Since  then  air  is  the  main  instrument  of  vitality,  both 
to  man  and  all  creatures,  it  certainly  must  be  a  most 
pleasing  and  profitable  study  to  acquire  correct  ideas  of 
this  great  element. 

By  the  unlettered  part  of  mankind,  the  vast  atmo- 
sphere which  surrounds  our  globe,  to  the  depth  of  two 
and  thirty  miles,  is  supposed  to  be  one  simple,  colour- 
less, invisible  mass,  without  any  essential  difference  of 
qualities,  and  without  weight.  But  it  is  a  gross  mistake; 
for  instead  of  being  a  simple  uniform  element,  it  is  com- 
posed of  several  parts,  some  of  which  are  widely  difter- 
ent  from  each  other.  We  have,  too,  numberless  proofs 
of  its  weight;  like  other  bodies  it  falls  to  the  earth,  and 
is  more  dense  as  it  approaches  its  centre.  Every  one 
knows  that  air  on  the  tops  of  high  mountains  is  much 
thinner  than  it  is  below  in  the  valleys.  But  the  weight 
of  air  is  susceptible  of  demonstration  by  positive  expe- 
riment. 

Having  exhausted  the  air  out  of  a  thin  glass  flask,  and 
suspended  it  at  one  end  of  a  balance,  which  being  nicely 
counterpoised  by  weights  in  the  other  scale;  this  done, 
admit  the  air  into  the  flask,  into  which  it  will  rush  with 
a  noise,  and  though  the  flask  was  balanced  before,  it 
will  now,  upon  admission  of  the  air,  preponderate.  If 
the  flask  holds  a  quart,  it  will  be  found  that  the  weight 
of  the  air  it  now  contains,  is  about  seventeen  grains 
above  what  it  was  when  empty,  so  that  a  quart  of  air 
weighs  about  seventeen  grains. 

We  will  mention  another  experiment,  which  is  easily 
put  into  practice.  Some  water  being  poured  into  a  sau- 
cer, burn  a  bit  of  paper  in  a  tea-cup,  which  by  rarifying, 
will  exhaust  and  make  a  vacuum  in  the  cup.  Then 
while  the  paper  is  yet  burning,  turn  it  hastily  down, 


of  Preserving  Health.  75 


paper  and  all,  into  the  saucer,  and  the  air  without  will 
press  the  water  up  from  the  saucer  into  the  cup.  The 
water  will  stand  within  the  cup  in  a  column;  and  if  the 
cup  were  thirty-two  feet  high,  and  the  air  within  it  per- 
fectly  exhausted,  the  water  would  rise  to  that  height  in 
it,  as  we  have  said  before.  This  satisfactorily  accounts 
for  the  rising  of  water  in  pumps,  or  the  standing  of  the 
quicksilver  in  the  barometer. 

If  further  proof  is  necessary  to  show  the  weight  of 
that  great  ocean  of  air,  which  constantly  surrounds  us, 
let  a  man  take  a  thick  glass  tube,  such  as  is  put  over 
lamps,  and  place  it  upright  on  a  table  that  has  a  small 
hole  in  it  for  an  air  pump.  Then  let  him  place  his  hand 
closely  over  the  top  of  the  tube,  while  a  friend  with  the 
pump  extracts  the  air,  and  he  shall  find  that  as  the  air 
on  the  inside  is  removed,  the  air  on  the  outside  will 
press  his  hand  down  with  much  violence.  Nor  will  he 
be  surprised  at  this  pressure  of  the  air,  when  he  comes 
to  learn,  that  a  column  or  pillar  of  air  of  only  one  inch 
diameter,  and  thirty-two  miles  high,  (which  is  the  depth 
of  the  atmosphere  from  its  top  above  the  clouds  to  the 
ground),  weighs  about  fourteen  pounds.  If  the  hand  of 
the  person  Avhich  covers  the  top  of  the  tube,  measure 
ten  inches  square,  the  pressure  on  it  will  be  about  one 
hundred  and  forty  pounds — sufficient  in  all  conscience 
to  crush  every  bone  in  the  hand.  By  the  same  token,  a 
square  foot  of  such  a  column  of  air  would  weigh  near 
two  thousand  pounds,  and  as  a  common  sized  man  mea- 
sures about  fourteen  square  feet,  it  is  a  fact,  as  curious 
as  it  is  awful,  that  every  such  person  bears  constantly 
on  his  body  a  weight  of  fourteen  tons,  or  twenty-eight 
thousand  pounds  of  air.  Some  persons  may  doubt  this, 
from  the  conclusion  that  such  a  weight  would  crush 
every  man  to  pieces.  So  it  would,  if  it  were  to  press 
solely  on  any  particular  part.  But  this  conclusion  in- 
stantly flills  to  the  ground,  when  it  is  recollected,  that 
this  pressure  of  the  air  is  uniform  and  equal  all  around 
him,  the  air  pressing  as  strongly  from  below  as  from 
above;  from  one  side  as  from  another;  thus  causing  the 
various  pressures  most  exactly  and  admirably  to  coun- 


76 


On  Hygieiney  or  the  art 


terpoise  each  other;  of  this  w  e  see  a  wonderf  ul  instance 
in  the  case  of  fibhes  in  the  ocean.  One  of  these  ani- 
mals at  a  great  depth  under  water,  would  be  crushed 
to  atoms,  if  all  that  heavy  element  pressed  only  on 
his  back.  But  the  God  who  made  him  has  so  kindly 
attended  to  his  safety,  as  to  cause  the  water  that  sur- 
rounds him  from  below  to  press  upwards  as  strongly 
as  that  from  above  to  press  downwards.  There  is 
another  reason  why  our  bodies  are  not  so  sensible  of 
the  tremendous  weight  of  air,  which  thirty  two  miles 
deep  presses  upon  us;  it  is  simply  this,  all  bodies  are  full 
of  air;  and  the  air  within  pressing  against  that  without, 
preserves  even  the  most  delicate  bodies  uninjured.  A 
bladder,  or  even  a  bag  of  oiled  paper,  if  filled  with  wa- 
ter, remains  perfectly  unhurt,  though  a  hundred  fathoms 
below  the  surface  of  the  sea;  because  the  water  within 
furnishes  a  full  resistance  to  the  water  without.  But  take 
away  this  resistance  from  within,  and  you  shall  find  that 
the  slightt^st  pressure  will  bring  the  two  sides  together. 

According  to  the  late  discoveries  in  Chemistry,  the 
atmosphere  consists  of  three  different  species  of  air — 
namely,  pure,  respirable,  or  dephlogisticated  air;  azotic, 
or  phlogisticated  air;  and  fixed,  or  carbonic  acid  air. 

The  proportion  of  the  first,  namely,  pure  or  v  ital  air, 
consists  according  to  the  French  Chemists,  who  have 
given  it  the  name  of  Oxygen^  of  27  or  28  in  the  hun- 
dred parts;  the  second,  the  Azote  of  the  French,  of  72 
or  73  in  the  hundred;  and  the  third,  namely,  the  Carbo- 
nic acid  air,  of  about  one  part  only  in  the  hundred. 

Oxygen  is  much  better  adapted  to  the  respiration  of 
animals  than  common  atmospheric  air.  If  two  animals 
be  enclosed  in  vessels,  one  of  which  contains  pure  Oxy- 
gen, and  the  other  common  atmospheric  air,  in  propor- 
tions equal  to  the  size  of  the  animals,  the  former  in  the 
Oxygen  will  be  found  to  live  six  or  seven  times  as  long 
as  the  latter  in  common  air.  It  is  properly  this  Oxygen 
which  we  inspire,  and  which  is  the  grand  support  of  ani- 
mal life.  Persons  apparently  dead,  or  in  a  state  of  suffo- 
cation, have  been  instantly  restored  to  life,  by  its  infiu- 


of  Preserving  Health.  77 

encc,  and  from  the  corresponding  testimony  of  several 
respectable  physicians,  it  appears  to  have  been  employed 
with  advantage  in  many  obstinate  'diseases.  The  cele> 
brated  Ingenhouz,  therefore,  gave  it  the  name  of  vital 
air.  It  promotes  combustion  in  a  very  high  degree.  A 
candle  will  burn  in  it  from  six  to  seven  times  longer  than 
in  common  air,  with  a  much  greater  degree  of  heat,  and 
a  more  briUiant  flame.  Bodies  in  a  glowing  state  are 
immediately  inflamed,  when  put  into  Oxygen  gas;  and 
even  metals,  which  are  not  very  fusible,  are  melted  in  it 
with  the  greatest  facility. 

Azote^  by  others  called  phlogisticated,  mephitic,  cor- 
rupted, or  suflfocative  air,  is  absolutely  unrespirable,  and 
not  miscible  with  water.  It  arises  from  the  change  which 
atmospherical  air  undergoes  in  every  process  of  com- 
bustion, putrefaction  and  respiration,  whether  produced 
by  nature  or  art. 

Azote  enters  into  no  combination  with  water,  but 
may  be  rendered  less  hurtful  by  shaking  it  with  that 
fluid.  This  accounts  in  some  measure  for  the  salub  ity 
of  the  sea-air.  It  greatly  promotes  the  growth  of  plants, 
and  readily  accumulates  in  apartments  filled  wiih  peo- 
ple, or  containing  articles  fresh  painted  with  oil  colours, 
or  in  which  strongly  fragrant  flowers  are  kept  without 
having  any  accession  of  fresh  air.  We  should  be  ex- 
tremely cautious  in  entering  such  places,  as  diseases  of 
the  breast  and  lungs  are  too  frequently  the  consequence 
of  neglect,  or  ignorance. 

The  Carbonic  acid  air,  ov  fixed  air,  is  miscible  with 
water,  but  in  its  pure  state  is  equally  unrespirable  as  the 
Azote.  It  derives  its  origin,  parily  from  the  vinous  fer- 
mentation of  vegetables  and  some  animal  substances, 
and  partly  from  the  mild  alkaline  salts  and  earths  com- 
bined with  acid.  Much  of  this  air  abounds  in  mines, 
where  it  frequently  distresses  the  workmen  by  its  suftb- 
cating  eflect.  It  is  also  observed  in  most  mineral  waters, 
where  a  stratum  of  it  sometimes  floats  upon  the  surface 
of  the  well.  These  waters,  as  well  as  fermented  liquors 


78 


On  Hygieiney  or  the  art 


which  contain  a  considerable  portion  of  fixed  air,  re- 
ceive from  it  that  well  known  pungency  so  agreeable  to 
the  palate.  Hence  flat  and  spoiled  beer  or  wine,  may  be 
corrected  and  restored  to  its  former  briskness,  by  the 
addition  of  fixed  air  evolved  from  chalk  and  vitriolic 
acid;  or  by  mixing  it  with  new  beer,  or  wine  in  a  statq, 
of  fermentation. 

As  this  species  of  air  quickly  extinguishes  fire,  ani- 
mals cannot  live  in  it. 

These  three  aerial  bodies,  though  blended  together, 
arrange  themselves,  in  some  degree,  according  to  their 
specific  gravities;  that  is,  the  proportion  of  azotic  air^ 
v/hich  is  the  lighter  body  of  the  three,  will  be  found 
most  in  the  upper  part,  the  oxygen  air  in  the  middle, 
^  and  the  fixed  air  will  be  found  most  in  the  lower  part 
of  the  apartment.  This  occasions  a  circulation  in  the 
air,  the  rarified  air  will  ascend,  the  fixed  air  sink,  and 
the  colder  and  purer  air  rush  into  the  apartment  through 
every  crevice.  To  render  the  circulation  of  the  air  plain 
to  sense,  if  the  air  of  a  room  be  heated  by  a  fire,  whilst 
the  air  in  the  next  room  is  cold,  and  the  door  between 
opened,  the  hot  air  of  one  room  being  rarified,  will  pass 
through  the  upper  part  of  the  opening  of  the  door  into 
the  cold  room;  and  on  the  contrary,  the  cold  air  of  the 
other  room  being  heavier,  will  pass  into  the  former 
through  the  lower  part  of  the  opening.  This  may  be 
proved,  by  applying  a  candle  at  the  upper  and  lower 
openings  between  the  two  rooms.  The  direction  of  the 
flame  of  the  candle  will  point  out  the  contrary  currents 
of  air.  It  is  for  this  reason,  that  when  a  fire  is  light- 
ed in  a  chimney,  a  strong  current  of  air  enters  the  room, 
which  may  be  felt  by  applying  the  hand  near  the  key- 
hole, or  other  small  openings,  if  the  door  and  windows 
be  shut.  A  fire  is  said  to  purify  a  room;  but  this  it  does 
partly  by  drying  the  daiiipness  of  the  room,  and  chiefly 
by  promoting  the  circulation  of  the  air.  The  fire  does 
not  perform  such  service  by  purifying  the  bad  air,  but 
by  removing  it,  and  substituting  that  which  is  fresh  and 
wholesome.  Hence  it  appears  that  those  persons  are 


of  Preserving  Health. 


mistaken,  who  are  over  anxious  in  keeping  out  the  air 
from  entering  the  apartments  of  convalescent  persons, 
by  accurately  stopping,  by  list,  linings  and  sQTtd  6ags^ 
all  the  smallest  openings  that  admit  fresh  air. 

Unless  the  air  were  constantly  renewed,  persons  would 
be  exposed  to  the  most  fatal  accidents  in  large  assem- 
blies, or  crowded  rooms*. 

A  rout  was  lately  given  at  a  celebrated  Bathing-place, 
or  springs.  The  room  was  small  and  the  company  very 
numerous.  They  had  not  been  long  seated  at  the  card- 
tables,  before  a  young  gentleman  and  lady,  both  in  deli- 
cate health,  fell  into  a  swoon.  The  doors  and  windows 
were  immediately  thrown  open,  to  afford  fresh  air,  which 
quickly  dissipated  the  alarm,  by  reviving  the  young  in- 
valids. A  physician  who  was  present  telling  one  of  his 
medical  companions  how  severely  he  himself  had  suffer- 
ed from  the  air  of  that  vile  oven,  and  that  he  had  made 
up  his  mind  to  write  a  bitter  philippic  against  Routs, 
was  archly  answered  by  his  friend,  "  let  them  alone  Doc- 
tor, how  otherwise  should  twenty-six  physicians  of  us 
subsist  in  this  place?'' 

As  a  further  illustration  of  the  above  reasoning,  take 
a  room  thirty  feet  by  twenty-five,  and  thirty  feet  high; 
capable  of  containing  one  hundred  persons.  Now  since 
each  person  consumes  about  five  cubic  feet  of  air  in 
an  hour,  that  is,  deprives  such  a  quantity  of  air  of  its 
oxygen,  or  vital  principle,  it  would  follow,  that,  as  such 
a  room  could  contain  only  twenty-two  thousand  five 
hundred  cubic  feet  of  air,  unless  the  air  was  constantly 
renewed,  it  would  be  rendered  completely  mephitic  or 
noxious  in  about /oz/r  hours  and  a  half,  and  it  is  proba- 
ble that  the  greater  part  of  the  company  would  be  se- 
riously incommoded,  or  even  perish  long  before  that 
time. 

The  following  affecting  narrative  is  a  melancholy  con«^ 
firmation  of  this  fact.  In  the  summer  of  1756,  the  Bri- 
tish setdement  of  Calcutta  in  India,  was  attacked  by 
the  natives  under  the  Viceroy  Rajah  Doulah,  a  young 
man  of  the  most  violent  passions,  and  without  the  leasj 
sense  of  honour  and  humanity.  After  a  most  obstinate 


80 


0)1  Hygieine^  or  the  art 


resistance,  the  little  garrison  surrendered  themselves 
prisoners  of  war,  on  a  solemn  promise  from  the  Rajah 
of  the  most  honourable  treatment.  But  no  sooner  had 
the  monster  got  them  in  his  power,  than  utterly  regard- 
less of  what  was  due  to  honour,  to  humanity,  and  to  a 
brave  enemy,  he  barbarously  drove  them  all  into 
a  dark  shallow  vault  under  ground,  called  the  black 
hole^  only  eighteen  feet  square.  The  number  of  the 
unfortunate  men  thus  cruelly  immured,  was  one  hun- 
dred and  forty-six,  with  their  gallant  commander, 
Colonel  Holwcll,  the  historian  of  the  following  tragedy. 
The  humane  reader  may  form  some  idea  of  one  hun- 
dred and  forty- six  poor  fellow^s,  many  of  them  badly 
wounded  and  bleeding,  and  all  worn  out  with  the  fa- 
tigue, and  covered  with  the  dust  and  sweat  of  a  hard 
day's  fighting,  crammed  and  crowded  together  on  a  hot 
sultry  evening,  into  a  small  dirty  hole,  eighteen  feet 
square,  with  only  two  little  windows,  and  those  ob- 
structed by  strong  iron  bars. 

A  profuse  siveat  quickly  broke  out  on  every  indivi- 
dual, attended  with  an  insatiable  thirsty  which  became 
the  more  intolerable,  as  the  body  w-as  drained  of  its 
moisture.  It  was  in  vain  that  they  stripped  off  their 
clothes,  or  fanned  themselves  with  their  hats. 

A  difficulty  in  breathing  was  next  observed,  and  every 
one  panted  for  breath.  Colonel  Holwell,  who  was  placed 
at  one  of  the  windows,  called  to  the  sergeant  of  the 
guard,  and  after  striving  to  excite  his  compassion  by 
drawing  a  pathetic  picture  of  their  suflvrings,  promised 
him  a  thousand  rupees  in  the  morning,  provided  he 
could  find  means  to  remove  some  of  his  people  into 
another  place  of  confinement.  The  sergeant,  allured  by 
the  promise  of  so  mighty  a  reward,  assured  him  he 
would  use  his  utmost  endeavours,  and  retired  for  that 
purpose. 

What  must  have  been  the  impatience  at  this  time  of 
these  unibrtunate  objects? 

In  a  few  moments  the  sergeant  returned,  but  in  the 
chilling  language  of  disappointment,  told  them  that  the 
viceroy  was  asleep,  and  no  man  durst  disturb  his  repose! 


of  Preserving  Health, 


81 


The  despair  of  the  prisoners  now  became  outrageous. 
They  endeavoured  to  force  open  the  door,  that  they 
might  rush  on  the  swords  of  the  monsters,  by  whom 
they  were  surrounded,  and  who  derided  their  sufferings; 
but  all  their  efforts  proved  ineffectual.  Tiiey  then  used 
execrations  and  abuse  to  provoke  the  guard  to  fire  upon 
them. 

The  captain  of  the  guard  was  at  length  moved  to 
compassion.  He  ordered  his  soldiers  to  bring  some  skins 
containing  water ^  which  by  enraging  the  appetite,  only 
served  to  increase  the  general  agitation.  There  was  no 
other  way  of  conveying  it  through  the  windows,  but  by 
hats;  and  this  mode  proved  ineffectual,  from  the  eager- 
ness of  the  wretched  prisoners,  who  struggled  for  it  in 
fits  of  delirium— The  cry  of  water!  water!  issued  from 
every  mouth.  The  consequence  of  this  eagerness  was, 
that  very  little  fell  to  the  lot  even  of  those  who  stood 
nearest  the  window;  and  the  most  fortunate,  instead  of 
finding  their  thirst  assuaged,  grew  more  impatient. 

The  confusion  soon  became  general  and  horrid;  all 
was  clamour  and  contest;  those  who  were  at  a  distance, 
endeavoured  to  force  their  passage  to  the  window,  and 
the  weak  were  pressed  down  to  the  ground,  never  to 
rise  again. 

Colonel  Holwell  observing  now  his  dearest  friends  in 
the  agonies  of  death,  or  dead,  and  inhumanly  trampled 
on  by  the  living,  finding  himself  wx^dged  up  so  closely 
as  to  be  deprived  of  all  motion,  begged,  as  the  last  mark 
of  their  regard,  that  they  would  for  one  moment  remove 
the  pressure,. and  allow  him  to  retire  from  the  window, 
and  die  in  quiet. 

Even  in  such  dreadful  circumstances,  which  might 
be  supposed  to  have  levelled  all  distinction,  the  poor 
delirious  wretches  manifested  a  respect  to  his  rank  and 
character;  they  immediately  gave  way,  and  he  forced 
his  passage  into  the  centre  of  the  place,  which  was  less 
crowded,  because,  by  this  time,  about  one  third  of  the 
number  had  perished,  while  the  rest  still  pressed  to 
both  windows.  He  retired  to  a  platform  at  the  fiuther 
end  of  the  room,  and  lying  down  upon  some  of  his  dead 


82 


On  Hygieine,  or  the  art 


friends,  recommended  his  soul  to  the  mercy  of  its 
Creator. 

Here  his  thirst  grew  insupportable;  his  difficulty  in 
breathing  increased;  and  he  was  seized  with  a  strong 
palpiiaii(jn  at  the  heart. 

These  violent  symptoms,  which  he  could  not  bear, 
urged  him  to  make  another  effort:  he  forced  his  way 
back  to  the  window;  and  cried  aloud,  "  Water!  For 
God's  sake^  a  little  -water T"^ 

He  luid  been  supposed  already  dead  by  his  wretched 
companions,  but  finding  him  still  alive,  they  exhibited 
another  extraordinary  proof  of  regard  to  his  person: 
•*  Give  him  water,"  they  cried;  nor  would  one  of  them 
attempt  to  touch  it,  until  he  had  drank.  He  now  breathed 
more  freely,  and  the  palpitation  ceased;  but  finding  him- 
self still  more  thirsty  after  drinking,  he  abstained  from 
water,  and  moistened  his  mouth,  from  time  to  time,  by 
sucking  the  perspiration  from  his  shirt  sleeves,  which 
tasted  soft,  pleasant,  and  refreshing. 

The  miserable  prisoners  now  began  to  perceive  that 
it  was  axr^  and  not  water  that  they  wanted.  They  dropt 
fast  on  all  sides,  and  a  strong  steam  arose  from  the  bo- 
dies of  the  living  and  the  dead,  as  pungent  and  volatile 
as  hartshorn. 

Colonel  Hoi  well  being  weary  of  life,  retired  once  more 
to  the  platform,  and  stretched  himself  by  the  Rev.  Mr. 
Bellamy,  who,  together  with  his  son,  a  young  lieutenant, 
lay  dead,  locked  in  each  other's  arms. 

In  this  situation  he  was  soon  deprived  of  sense,  and 
seemed  to  all  appearance  dead,  when  he  was  removed 
by  his  surviving  friends  to  one  of  the  windows,  where 
the  fresh  air  brought  him  back  to  life.  The  Rajah  being 
at  last  informed  that  the  greater  part  of  the  prisoners 
were  suffocated^  enquired  if  the  Chief  were  alive,  and 
being  answered  in  the  affirmative,  sent  an  order  for  their 
release,  when  no  more  than  twenty  three  survived^  of  one 
hundred  and  forty-six,  who  entered  into  this  prison. 

How  many  melancholy  instances  of  a  similar  kind 
have  occurred  on  board  of  vessels  engaged  in  that  most 
abominable  and  diabolical  traffic,  the  slave  trade. 


of  Preserving  Health.  83 

My  soul  is  sick  with  every  day's  report 
Of  wrong  and  outrage  with  which  earth  is  filled: 
There  is  no  yielding  flesh  in  man's  hard  heart, 
It  does  not  feel  for  man.  The  nat'ral  bond 
Of  brotherhood  is  sever'd,  as  the  flax 
That  falls  asunder  at  the  touch  of  fire. 
He  finds  his  fellow  guilty  of  a  skin 
Not  coloured  like  his  own;  and  having  power 
To  enforce  the  wrong,  for  such  a  worthy  cause^ 
Dooms  and  devotes  him  as  a  lawful  prey. 
Thus  man  devotes  his  brother; 
And,  worse  than  all,  and  most  to  be  deplored, 
As  human  nature's  broadest,  foulest  blot. 
Chains  him,  and  tasks  him,  and  exacts  his  sweat 
With  stripes,  that  mercy  with  a  bleeding  heart 
Weeps  when  she  sees  inflicted  on  a  beast. 

Then  what  is  man?  and  what  man  seeing  this, 
And  having  human  feelings,  does  not  blush 
And  hang  his  head,  to  think  himself  a  man? 
I  would  not  have  a  slave  to  till  my  ground. 
To  carry  me,  to  fan  me  while  I  sleep. 
And  tremble  when  I  wake,  for  all  the  wealth 
That  sinews  bought  and  sold  have  ever  earned. 

Cow  PER. 

To  mention  no  other  fact,  a  strong  proof  of  the  neces- 
sity of  the  frequent  renewal  of  air  may  be  found  in  the 
records  of  the  Dublin  lying-in  hospital. 

In  this  hospital  two  thousand  nine  hundred  and  forty- 
four  infants  out  of  seven  thousand  six  hundred  and  fifty, 
died  in  the  year  1782,  within  the  first  fortnight  after 
their  birth,  wliich  is  nearly  every  third  child!  They  al- 


84 


On  Hygieine,  or  the  art 


most  all  died  in  convulsions,  or  what  the  nurses  call 
nine  days  Jits,  because  they  came  on  nine  days  after  their 
birth.  Many  of  these  children  foamed  at  their  mouths, 
their  thumbs  were  drawn  into  the  palms  of  their  hands, 
the  jaws  were  locked,  the  face  was  swelled,  and  looked 
blue,  as  though  they  were  choked.  This  last  circum- 
stance led  Dr.  Clark  to  conclude  that  the  rooms  were 
too  close  and  crowded.  That  benevolent  physician  con- 
trived therefore  air- pipes,  by  which  the  rooms  were 
completely  ventilated.  The  consequence  was,  a  prodi- 
gious decrease  in  the  mortality.  It  is  almost  unnecessa- 
ry to  mention  the  frequent  and  sudden  deaths  that  have 
taken  place  from  entering  deep  wells,  cellars,  and  other 
confined  places. 

A  baker  of  Chartres,  going  down  into  a  deep  cellar 
with  his  son,  carrying  a  candle,  on  getting  near  the  foot 
of  the  stairs,  fell  dead.  Instantly  the  candle  went  out, 
and  the  son  crying  for  help,  fell  down  also.  His  brother 
running  down  after  him,  presently  called  out  for  help, 
and  was  heard  no  more.  His  mother  followed  next,  and 
then  a  maid,  both  of  whom  perished.  An  alarm  being 
excited,  the  house  was  presently  filled  with  the  neigh- 
bours, four  of  whom,  one  after  the  other,  went  down, 
and  all  died.  The  physicians  ordered  large  quantities  of 
fresh  water  to  be  thrown  into  the  cellar.  A  dog  and  a 
lighted  candle  were  then  let  down,  without  injury  to 
either,  and  the  dead  bodies  in  the  cellar  were  taken  out. 

Three  poor  men  at  Denton,  Maryland,  having  nearly 
completed  a  deep  w^ell,  quitted  their  work  to  go  home  to 
keep  the  Holy-days.  However,  before  they  left  the  well, 
they  covered  the  mouth  of  it  closely.  Carbonic  acid 
gas  settled  at  the  bottom  of  it. — After  some  time  the 
unlucky  well  diggers  returned,  and  opening  the  well, 
very  unsuspiciously  let  themselves  down  to  their  work. 
Two  out  of  the  three  perished  at  the  bottom — the  other 
saved  himself  only  by  not  going  down. 

Lime-kilns  throwing  off  large  quantities  of  fixed  air, 
are  extremely  dangerous. 


of  Preserving  Health, 


85 


A  couple  of  disorderly  young  women  after  rambling 
a  greater  part  of  the  night,  crept,  early  in  the  morning, 
into  a  little  hovel,  contiguous  to  a  lime-kiln^  and  fell 
asleep.  The  kiln  being  in  high  blast,  diffused  a  portion 
of  vapour  through  the  crevices  into  the  hovel,  but  the 
poor  wretches  were  too  sound  asleep  to  be  awaked. 
After  some  hours,  the  man  who  had  the  care  of  the 
kiln,  coming  to  look  after  his  work,  finding  these  wo- 
men asleep  endeavoured  to  awake  them,  but  in  vain! 
They  were  taken  immediately  to  the  hospital.  The  one 
first  ccMiveyed  recovered,  but  the  other  perished. 

There  is  another  species  of  mephitic  air,  which  bums 
with  a  bright  flame,  and,  if  mixed  with  common  air, 
instantly  catches  fire  and  explodes;  hence  it  has  received 
the  name  of    inflammable  air." 

Mines  and  coal-pits  are  frequently  infested  with  this 
gas,  which  being  ten  times  lighter  than  common  air, 
ascends  to  the  upper  region  of  the  mine;  and  is  called 
Fire-damp.  To  discharge  this,  the  miners  are  in  the 
habit  of  crawling  on  their  hands  and  feet,  and  with  a  ta- 
per affixed  to  a  long  stick,  set  fire  to  it,  which  is  suc- 
ceeded by  a  terrible,  and  sometimes  fatal  explosion. — 
This  air  is  often  generated  in  the  stomach  and  bowels  of 
animals  both  living  and  dead.  A  lighted  candle  held 
near,  has  often  caused  it  to  take  fire. 

Bartholine  relates  the  case  of  a  person,  who  having 
drank  a  large  quantity  of  brandy  for  a  wager,  died,  after 
an  eruption  of  a  flame  of  fire  had  first  issued  from  his 
mouth. 

The  inflammable  xvoman  of  Coventry^  as  described  by 
Mr.  VViinier,  appears  also  to  have  reduced  herself  by 
dram  drinking,  to  such  a  state,  as  to  be  capable  of  being 
set  on  fire,  and  burning  aw;jy  like  a  match:  so  eager, 
says  the  learned  Dr.  Beddoes,  were  the  principles  of 
which  she  was  composed,  to  combine  with  Oxygen, 


86 


On  Hygieine,  or  the  art 


An  instance  of  the  same  kind  occurred  at  Christ's 
church,  in  Hampshire.  One  John  Hitchell,  a  carpenter, 
of  that  parish,  a  great  drunkard,  having  ended  his  day's 
work,  came  home  and  went  to  bed.  His  wife  found  him 
dead  before  morning  at  her  side.  He  felt  so  extremely 
hot,  that  it  was  impossible  to  touch  him.  He  lay  burning 
for  three  days;  nor  was  there  any  appearance  of  flame 
outwardly,  but  only  a  smoke  or  mist  ascending  from  his 
mouth  till  he  was  consumed. 

The  Russians  and  Germans  are  frequently  exposed  to 
fainting  during  their  cold  season,  from  the  noxious  air 
of  their  stoves,  and  want  of  due  ventilation.  As  soon  as 
a  person  is  discovered  in  this  state,  without  sense  and 
motion,  he  is  instantly  carried  into  the  open  air,  and  be- 
ing stript,  is  rubbed  very  briskly  with  snow,  or  cold  wa- 
ter, which  generally  recovers  him,  if  breathing  has  not 
been  suspended  above  an  hour.  Faintings,  or  suffoca- 
tions from  the  fumes  of  charcoal,  are  commonly  cured 
by  cold  water  thrown  on  the  patient. 

As  the  mass  of  atmospheric  air  is  incessantly  corrupt- 
ed by  the  respiration  of  men  and  animals,  by  the  burn- 
ing of  so  many  natural  and  artificial  fires,  by  the  disso- 
lution and  putrefaction  of  innumerable  substances,  and 
by  various  other  phlogistic  or  disoxygenating  processes, 
it  would  at  length  become  altogether  incompetent  for  its 
original  designation,  if  the  all  benevolent  Creator  had 
not  provided  eftectual  means  for  its  improvement  and 
renovation.  Among  the  most  powerful  of  these  is  the 
vegetation  of  plants.  For  this  very  important  discovery, 
we  are  indebted  to  Dr.  Priestley,  who  was  so  fortunate 
as  to  make  it  after  he  had  long  employed  many  fruit- 
less attempts  to  correct  impure  air  by  artificial  means. 
He  found  that  air  rendered  deleterious  by  the  breathing 
of  animals,  which  had  died  in  it,  was  again  so  completely 
restored  by  the  vegetation  of  plants,  that  after  the  lapse 
of  some  days,  an  animal  could  live  in  it  with  equal  ease, 
and  for  the  same  length  of  time,  as  before. 

The  ingenious  philosopher,  Dr.  Ingenhouz,  remark- 


of  Preserving  Health. 


87 


ed,  first,  That  most  plants  have  the  property  of  correct- 
ing bad  air  within  a  few  hours,  when  they  are  exposed 
to  the  light  of  the  sun;  but  that,  on  the  contrary,  during 
the  nighty  or  in  the  shade,  they  corrupt  the  air:  second, 
That  plants  from  their  own  substance  afford  a  very  pure 
air,  or  oxygen,  when  exposed  to  the  rays  of  the  sun;  but 
a  very  impure  air,  or  azote,  at  night,  or  in  the  shade: 
third,  That  not  all  parts  of  plants,  but  only  the  green 
stalks  of  leaves,  produce  this  beneficial  effect:  fourth, 
That  the  disengagement  of  j)ure  or  vital  air  does  not 
commence  until  the  sun  hat>  been  some  time  above  the 
horizon,  that  it  ceases  altogether  with  the  termination 
of  day-light;  and  that  the  disadvantage  arising  from  the 
impure  exhalations  of  plants,  during  the  night,  is  far  ex- 
ceeded by  the  great  advantage  they  afford  during  the 
day;  insomuch,  that  the  impure  air  generated  by  a  plant 
during  the  whole  night,  scarcely  amounts  to  a  hundredth 
part  of  the  pure  vital  air,  or  oxygen,  exhaled  from  the 
same  plant  in  two  hours  of  a  serene  day.  Thus,  the  at- 
mosphere is  constantly  preserved  in  that  state  of  purity, 
which  is  the  most  salutary  both  to  animals  and  vege- 
tables. 

As  the  vegetable  kingdom  is  renewed  in  Spring,  and 
as  vegetation  in  general  is  most  lively  in  that  season, 
there  can  be  little  doubt,  that  the  pure  vital  air  is  then 
most  copiously  evolved  by  means  of  the  light  and  heat 
of  the  sun.  Hence  it  follows  that  the  air  of  Spring  is 
more  wholesome  than  that  of  Autumn,  which  is  satu- 
rated with  impure  particles.  The  cold,  however,  and  the 
frequent  winds  which  prevail  at  a  more  advanced  pe- 
riod, prove  extremely  efficacious  in  counteracting  the 
baneful  effects  of  corruption  and  putrefaction. 

All  strongly  scented  bodies  are  more  or  less  perni- 
cious; not  only  those  of  a  foetid,  but  even  those  of  a 
fragrant  smell.  The  latter,  if  too  strong,  are  particular- 
ly dangerous,  as  a  sense  of  disgust  does  not  naturally 
incline  us  to  avoid  them.  Hence  people  who  carry  large 
nosegays  in  the  hot  days  of  summer,  or  sleep  in  rooms 
decorated  with  flowers,  are  apt  to  feel  themselves  affect- 


88 


071  Hygieine,  or  the  art 


ed  with  head-aches,  vertigoes,  fainting  fits,  and  even 
apoplexies  have  been  produced  in  persons  of  a  pletho- 
ric habit. 

The  smell  of  roses,  how  pleasing  soever  to  most  per- 
sons, is  not  only  odious,  but  almost  deadly  to  others. 
A  gentleman  has  been  known  to  fall  into  a  swoon  upon 
the  smell  of  a  rose.  And  Laurientus,  Bishop  of  Uratis- 
lavia,  was  killed  by  the  smell  of  this  delightful  flower. 

I  knew  a  stout  soldier,  saith  Donatus,  who  was  never 
able  to  bear  the  smell  or  sight  of  the  herb  rue,  but  would 
evermore  betake  himself  to  flight  at  his  first  notice  of 
its  presence. 

Zacutus  Lusitanus  tells  us  of  a  fisherman,  who,  hav- 
ing spent  his  life  at  sea,  and  coming  accidentally  to  the 
reception  of  the  king  of  Portugal  in  a  maritime  town, 
where  perfumes  were  burnt,  was  thereby  thrown  into  a 
fit,  judged  apoplectic  by  two  physicians,  who  treated 
him  accordingly;  till  three  days  after  the  king's  physi- 
cian guessing  the  cause,  ordered  him  to  be  removed  to 
the  sea-side,  and  there  to  be  covered  with  sea-weed, 
which  soon  recovered  him. 

Warm  air  relaxes  the  body,  and  occasions  a  quicker 
circulation  of  the  fluids:  hence  the  tender  and  infirm 
suffer  severely  in  hot  weather;  hence  arise  hysteric  and 
hypochondriac  complaints,  convulsions  and  diarrhoeas. 
CWi/ renders  bodies  more  compact,  the  appetite  stronger, 
and  digestion  easier  and  quicker.  On  the  contrary,  the 
resistance  of  the  fluid  parts  becomes  so  great,  that  even 
the  increased  powers  of  the  solids  cannot  overcome  it, 
if  the  cold  be  too  violent.  In  winter  the  blood  is  much 
disposed  to  inflammations:  hence  stitches  in  the  side, 
inflammatory  sore  throats,  rheumatisms,  &c.  In  persons 
who  take  little  exercise,  the  fluids  are  apt  to  stagnate, 
and  the  solids  to  chill  during  the  winter;  upon  the 
whole,  however,  the  effects  of  cold  weather  may  be  ren- 
dered  less  hurtful,  and  even  salutary  to  the  body,  if  pro- 
per exercise  be  not  neglected. 


of  Preserving  Health, 


Damp  or  Moist  Air  suddenly  relaxes  and  debilitates, 
retarding  the  circulation,  checking  the  perspiration,  and 
depressing  the  spirits.  If  damp  air  be  accompanied  with 
cold,  it  tends,  by  obstructing  the  perspiration,  to  throw 
the  retained  humours  on  the  breast,  throat,  stomach, 
bowels,  &c.  occasioning  sore  throats,  pleurisies,  sick 
Stomach,  diarrheas,  &c.  If  damp  air  be  accompanied 
with  heat,  it  is  still  worse,  by  opening  the  pores,  through 
which  the  moisture  penetrates  into  the  body,  and  pre- 
disposes every  part  of  it  to  putrefaction  and  dissolution. 
This  accounts  for  the  great  mortality  prevalent  during 
the  hot  season  at  Batavia,  and  some  of  the  West  India 
islands. 

Dry  and  Cool  Air^  from  its  elasticity,  promotes,  in  an 
extraordinary  manner,  the  serenity  and  alertness  of  mind 
and  body;  and  is  therefore  most  agreeable  and  salubri- 
ous both  to  the  healthy  and  infirm. 

Too  sudden  a  transition  from  warm  to  cold  air,  or  the 
reverse,  is  pernicious.  But  none  have  ever  complained 
on  leaving,  however  suddenly,  the  sickly  air  of  the  town, 
for  the  dry,  pure,  temperate  air  of  the  country. — After 
all,  the  surest  sign  of  good  air  in  any  place,  is  the  lon- 
gevity of  its  inhabitants. 

The  most  certain  marks  by  which  to  distinguish 
whether  the  air  in  rooms  be  damp  or  not,  are  the  follow- 
ing: the  walls  or  tapestry  change  their  colour;  bread  ac- 
quires a  mouldy  surface;  sponges  in  the  rooms  retain 
their  moisture;  loaf-sugar  turns  soft,  iron  rusts;  brass 
and  copper  acquire  a  green  colour,  and  wooden  furni- 
ture moulders  and  crumbles  to  pieces. 

In  cities  the  sitting  rooms  ought  if  possible  to  be  above 
the  ground  floor,  or  on  the  second  story,  well  ventilated 
by  convenient  doors  and  wdndows.  And  as  to  the  bed- 
rooms, they  ought  assuredly  to  be  on  the  most  elevated 
stories  in  the  house,  that  they  may  be  as  far  removed  as 
possible  from  that  mass  of  azote,  or  deadly  aii*,  which  is 
so  copiously  generated  in  large  towns,  and  which  natu- 
rally  settles  near  the  ground. 

Dr.  Caldwell,  lecturing  on  this  subject,  states  that  it 

M 


On  Hygieme^  or  the  an 

was  on  this  principle  he  was  induced,  contrary  to  the 
remonstrances  of  his  family  and  friends,  to  keep  his  son 
in  tlie  third  story  of  his  house,  during  a  very  sickly 
season  in  Philadelphia,  and  adds  that  he  could  not  avoid 
being  sensibly  struck  with  its  happy  effects  in  preserv- 
ing his  heakh.  And  I  am  convinced  the  excellent  health 
which  my  family  enjoyed  during  eight  or  nine  years' 
residence  in  Savannah,  was  greatly  owing  to  sleeping 
in  large  well  aired  chambers,  three  stories  from  the 
ground. 

The  airing  of  apartments  should  not  be  neglected, 
even  in  winter,  as  fires  alone  are  not  sufficient  to  carry 
off  the  corrupted  air.  If  possible,  we  should  not  sit 
through  the  day  in  a  room  in  which  we  have  slept;  as 
the  bed  clothes,  and  particularly  feather  beds,  very  slow- 
ly part  with  the  exhalations  they  have  imbibed  during 
the  night.  It  farther  deserves  to  be  remarked,  that  all 
damp  vapours  are  prejudicial,  hence  the  keeping  of  wet 
clothes  in  dwelling  rooms,  should  by  all  means  be  care- 
fully avoided. 


OF  FOOD. 

For  this  the  watchful  appetite  was  given. 
Daily  with  fresh  materials  to  repair 
This  unavoidable  expense  of  life. 
This  necessary  waste  of  Hesh  and  blood. 

Hence  the  concoctive  powers,  with  various  arti 
Subdue  the  cruder  aliments  to  chyle; 
The  chyle  to  blood;  the  foamy  purple  tide 
To  liquors,  which  through  finer  arteries 
To  different  parts  their  winding  course  pursue; 
To  try  new  changes,  and  new  forms  put  on. 
Or  for  the  public,  or  some  private  use. 

Armstrong. 


Nature  not  only  points  out  the  Food  fit  for  infancy, 
but  also  kindly  prepares  it.  When  the  babe,  just  born 


of  Preserving  Health, 


91 


into  this  cold  world,  is  applied  to  its  mother's  bosom, 
its  sense  of  perceiving  warmth  is  first  agreeably  affect- 
ed; next  its  sense  of  smell  is  delighted  with  the  odour 
of  the  milk;  then  its  taste  is  gratified  by  the  flavour  of 
it;  afterwards  the  appetites  of  hunger  and  of  thirst  af- 
ford pleasure  by  the  possession  of  their  objects,  and  by- 
the  subsequent  digestion  of  the  aliment;  and  lastly,  the 
sense  of  touch  is  delighted  by  the  softness  and  smooth- 
ness of  the  milky  fountain,  which  the  innocent  em- 
braces with  its  hands,  presses  with  its  lips,  and  watches 
with  its  eyes.  Satisfied,  it  smiles  at  the  enjoyment  of 
such  a  variety  of  pleasures.  It  feels  an  animal  attrac- 
tion, which  is  love;  a  gratification  when  the  object  is 
present,  a  desire  when  it  is  absent,  which  constitutes  the 
purest  source  of  human  felicity,  the  cordial  drop  in  the 
otherwise  vapid  cup  of  life,  which  overpays  the  fond 
mother  for  all  her  solicitudes  and  cares. 

Lo!  at  the  couch  where  infant  beauty  sleeps, 
Her  silent  watch  the  mournful  mother  keeps; 
She,  while  the  lovely  babe  unconscious  lies, 
Smiles  on  her  slumbering  child  with  pensive  eyes. 
And  weaves  a  song  of  melancholy  joy. — 

Campbell. 

A  parent  who  abandons  the  fruit  of  her  womb  as 
soon  as  it  is  born,  to  the  sole  care  of  an  hireling,  hardly 
deserves  that  tender  appellation.  Nothing  can  be  so  pre- 
posterous and  unnatural,  as  a  mother  abandoning  the 
care  of  her  child.  If  we  search  Nature  throughout,  we 
cannot  find  a  parallel.  Every  other  animal  is  the  nurise 
of  its  own  offspring,  which  thrives  accordingly. 

Connubial  fair!  whom  no  fond  transport  warms, 
To  lull  your  infant  in  maternal  arms; 
Who,  blest  in  vain  with  tumid  bosom,  hear 
His  tender  wailing  with  unfeeling  ear; 


92  On  Hygieine,  or  the  art 

The  soothing  kiss,  and  milky  rill  deny- 
To  the  sweet  pouting  lip,  and  glist'ning  eye! 
Ah!  what  avails  the  cradle's  damask  roof, 
The  eider  bolster,  and  embroider'd  woof  1 
Oft  hears  the  gilded  coach,  unpity'd  plains; 
And  many  a  tear  the  tasseled  cushion  stains! 
No  voice  so  sweet  attunes  his  cares  to  rest, 
So  soft  no  pillow,  as  his  mother's  breast! 

Darwin. 

It  is  in  infancy  and  early  age,  that  the  foundation  Is 
laid  for  the  many  diseases  arising  from  indigestion,  which 
are  now  found  in  almost  every  family.  If  children  are 
fed  immoderately,  the  first  passages  become  too  much 
distended,  and  the  stomach  by  degrees  acquires  an  un- 
natural craving  for  food,  which  must  be  satisfied,  what- 
ever be  the  consequence.  These  excessive  supplies  not 
only  are  unnecessary,  but  produce  the  most  serious  and 
fatal  disorders.  There  is  a  certain  relation  subsisting  be- 
tween what  is  taken  in,  and  what  is  lost  by  the  body;  if 
we  eat  and  drink  much,  we  likewise  lose  much,  without 
gaining  any  more  by  it  than  we  might  do  by  moderate 
meals.  Eating  too  little  retards  the  growth,  and  eventu- 
ally diminishes  the  digestive  power  of  the  stomach.  Na- 
ture is  easily  satisfied,  and  is  always  best  provided  if 
we  do  not  obtrude  upon  her  more  than  she  is  accustom- 
ed to.  If  we  have  for  some  time,  taken  little  nourish- 
ment, nature  becomes  so  habituated  to  it,  that  we  feel 
indisposed  as  soon  as  the  usual  measure  is  transgressed; 
and  both  the  stomach  and  its  digestive  powers  are  there- 
by impaired. 

It  would  be  impossible  to  lay  down  fixed  rules, 
whereby  to  determine  the  salubrity  or  insalubrity  of  ali- 
ments, with  respect  to  the  individual. 

Experience  is  indeed  our  chief  guide  upon  this  sub- 
ject; for  such  is  the  peculiarity  of  constitutions,  that  the 
same  article  which  will  nourish  and  perfectly  agree  with 


of  Preserving  Health, 


93 


^jne  person,  would  prove  highly  pernicious  to  another. 
Let  us,  therefore,  in  the  selection  of  our  food,  adopt 
that  which  long  and  careful  observation  has  confirmed 
to  be  salutary,  and  to  avoid  those  things,  however  tempt- 
ing to  the  palate,  which  we  know  to  be  injurious. 

There  are,  however,  articles  of  diet  obviously  impro- 
per to  every  one,  which  though  they  may  not  manifest 
their  ill  effects  immediately,  yet,  nevertheless,  under- 
mine and  break  down  by  gradual  operation,  the  vigour 
of  our  systems,  and  entail  upon  us  with  certainty  a  train 
of  chronic  disorders,  of  all  others  the  most  troublesome 
and  difficult  to  cure.  The  articles  of  this  description 
are  all  high  seasoned  dishes,  and  those  which  are  com- 
posed of  a  great  variety  of  ingredients.  People  in  health 
require  no  excitement  to  the  relish  of  good  and  whole- 
some meat,  and  to  those  in  the  opposite  state,  the  luxu- 
ries of  the  table  are  poison. 

It  is  an  old  saying,  that  good  laws  have  their  ori- 
ginal from  the  bad  manners  and  evil  way  of  living  in 
that  people  for  whom  they  are  made."  From  which  we 
may  conclude  that  the  Romans  were  a  people  exceed- 
ingly addicted  to  all  kind  of  luxury,  in  as  much  as  they 
enacted  so  many  laws  to  repress  their  proneness  to  the 
practice  of  this  vice. 

Yet  all  these  were  ineffectual;  for,  according  as  their 
riches  increased,  so  did  their  inclinations  grow  this  way, 
till  at  last,  in  a  monstrous  sensuality,  they  extinguished 
even  the  last  remains  of  their  primitive  virtue.  This  ex- 
ample hath  since  been  followed  to  a  pernicious  extent  in 
every  civilized  country. 

The  sad  effects  of  luxury  are  these; 

We  drink  our  poison,  and  we  eat  disease. 

Not  so,  O  Temperance  bland;  when  ruled  by  thee. 

The  brute 's  obedient,  and  the  man  is  free: 

Soft  are  his  slumbers,  balmy  is  his  rest, 

His  veins  not  boiling  from  the  midnight  feast. 


94 


On  Hygieine,  or  the  art 


'Tis  to  thy  rules,  bright  Temperance!  we  owe 

All  pleasures  which  from  strength  and  health  can  flow; 

Vigour  of  body,  purity  of  mind, 

Unclouded  reason,  sentiments  refin'd; 

Unmix'd,  untainted  joys,  without  remorse, 

The  intemperate  sensualist's  never  failing  curse. 

DODD. 

There  are  three  kinds  of  appetite:  first.  The  natural 
appetite,  which  is  equally  stimulated  and  satisfied  with 
the  most  simple  dish  as  with  the  most  palatable:  second, 
The  f^r^i^cm/ appetite,  or  that  excited  by  bitters,  spirits, 
pickles,  and  other  condiments,  which  remains  only  as 
long  as  the  operation  of  these  stimulants  continues: 
third.  The  habitual  appetite,  or  that  by  which  we  accus- 
tom ourselves  to  take  victuals  at  certain  hours,  and  fre- 
quently without  any  appetite.  Longing  for  a  particular 
food  is  likewise  a  kind  of  false  appetite. 

By  the  true  and  healthy  appetite  alone,  can  we  ascer- 
tain the  quantity  of  aliment  proper  for  the  individual.  If 
in  that  state  we  no  longer  relish  a  common  dish,  it  is  a 
certain  criterion  of  its  disagreeing  with  our  digestive 
organs.  If  after  dinner  we  feel  ourselves  as  cheerful  as 
before  it,  we  may  be  assured  that  we  have  taken  a  pro- 
per meal;  for  if  the  proper  measure  be  exceeded,  torpor 
will  ensue,  with  indigestion,  and  a  variety  of  unpleasant 
complaints. 

The  stomach  being  too  much  distended  by  frequent 
indulgence,  will  not  rest  satisfied  with  the  former  quan- 
tity of  food;  its  avidity  will  increase  with  excess,  and 
temperance  alone  can  reduce  it  to  its  natural  state,  and 
restore  its  elasticity.  Fulness  of  blood  and  corpulency, 
are  the  disagreeable  effects  of  gluttony;  which  progres- 
sively relaxes  the  stomach,  and  punishes  the  offender 
Avith  headach,  fever,  diarrhoea,  and  sometimes  sudden 
death. 

When  the  tir'd  glutton  labours  through  a  treat, 
He  finds  no  relish  in  the  sweetest  meat. 


of  Preserving  Health,  95 

Then  hear  what  blessings  Temperance  can  bring, 
(Those  blessings,  only,  form  my  cause  to  sing) 
First  Health — the  stomach  cramm'd  from  every  dish, 
A  tomb  of  roast  and  boil'd,  of  flesh  and  fish, 
Where  hile  and  tvind^  and  phlegm  and  acid  jsLV, 
And  all  the  man  is  one  intestine  war, 
Remembers  well  the  school- boy's  simple  fare^ 
The  temperate  sleeps,  and  spirits  light  as  air. 

Pope. 

King  Hardicanute,  as  Harold  his  brother  for  his  swift- 
ness was  surnamed  Harcfoot,  so  he  for  his  intemperance 
in  diet  might  have  been  surnamed  Swinesmouth;  for 
his  tables  were  spread  every  day  four  times,  and  fur- 
nished with  all  kinds  of  curious  dishes,  as  delighting  in 
nothing  but  gormandizing  and  swilling. — But  he  had 
soon  the  reward  of  his  intemperance;  for  in  a  solemn  as- 
sembly and  banquet  at  Lambeth,  revelling  and  carous- 
ing,  he  suddenly  fell  down  without  speech  or  breathy 
after  he  had  reigned  only  two  years. 

It  was  a  maxim  of  Socrates,  "  that  we  ought  to  eat 
and  drink  to  live,  and  not  to  live  in  order  to  eat  and 
drink."  Something  may  be  said  in  favour  of  those  whom 
disease  has  brought  to  a  canine  appetite;  but  nothing  in 
behalf  of  those  gluttons,  whose  paunches  have  been  so 
immeasurably  distended  by  a  beastial  custom,  and  an 
inordinate  desire  to  gratify  their  own  sensuality.  Sen- 
sual enjoyment,  when  it  becomes  habitual,  loses  its  rel» 
ish,  and  is  converted  into  a  burden.  Temperance  in  meat, 
drink,  and  pleasures,  is  the  great  support  of  nature.  It  is 
the  preservation  of  the  dominion  of  soul  over  sensCj  of 
reason  over  passion.  The  want  of  it  destroys  health,  for- 
tune and  conscience. 

Chremes,  of  Greece,  though  a  young  man,  was  verjr 
infirm  and  sickly,  through  a  cours%  of  luxury  and  in- 


96  On  Hygieine^  or  the  art 

temperance,  and  subject  to  those  strange  sorts  of  fitj? 
which  are  called  trances.  In  one  of  these,  he  thought 
that  a  philosopher  came  to  sup  with  him;  who,  out  of  all 
the  dishes  served  up  at  the  table,  would  only  eat  of  one, 
and  that  the  most  simple:  yet  his  conversation  was 
sprightly,  his  knowledge  great,  his  countenance  cheer- 
ful, and  his  constitution  strong.  When  the  philosopher 
took  his  leave,  he  invited  Chremes  to  sup  with  him  at  a 
house  in  the  neighbourhood:  this  also  took  place  in  his 
imagination,  and  he  thought  he  was  received  with  the 
most  polite  and  affectionate  tokens  of  friendship,  but 
was  greatly  surprised,  when  supper  came  up,  to  find 
nothing  but  milk  and  honey,  and  a  few  roots  dressed  up 
in  the  plainest  manner,  to  which  cheerfulness  and  good 
sense  were  the  only  sauces.  As  Chremes  was  unused  to 
this  kind  of  diet,  and  could  not  eat,  the  philosopher  or- 
dered another  table  to  be  spread  more  to  .his  tastej  and 
immediately  there  succeeded  a  banquet,  composed  of 
the  most  artificial  dishes  that  luxury  could  invent,  with 
great  plenty  and  variety  of  the  richest  and  most  intoxi- 
cating wines.  'J'hese,  too,  were  accompanied  by  damsels 
of  the  most  bewitching  beauty.  And  now  Chremes  gave 
a  loose  to  his  appetites,  and  every  thing  he  tasted  raised 
ecstasies  beyond  what  he  had  ever  known.  During  the 
repast,  the  damsels  sung  and  danced  to  entertain  him; 
their  charms  enchanted  the  enraptured  guest,  already 
heated  with  what  he  had  drunk;  his  senses  were  lost  in 
ecstatic  confusion;  every  thing  around  him  seemed  Ely- 
sium, and  he  was  upon  the  point  of  indulging  the  most 
boundless  freedom,  when,  lo!  on  a  sudden,  their  beauty, 
which  was  but  a  visor,  fell  off*,  and  discovered  to  his 
view  forms  the  most  hideous  and  forbidding  imagina- 
ble. Lust,  revenge,  folly,  murder,  meagre  poverty  and 
frantic  despair,  now  appearec^  in  their  most  odious  shapes, 
and  the  place  instantly  became  the  direst  scene  of  mise- 
ry and  desolation.  How  often  did  Chremes  wish  himself 
far  distant  from  such  diabolical  company!  and  how  dread 
the  fatal  consequences  which  threatened  him  on  every 
side!  His  blood  ran  chill  to  his  heart;  his  knees  smote 
against  each  other  With  fear,  and  joy  and  rapture  were 


of  Preserving  Health, 


97 


turned  into  astonishment  and  horror.  When  the  phi- 
losopher perceived  that  this  scene  had  made  a  sufficient 
impression  on  his  guest,  he  thus  addressed  him:  "Know, 
Chremes,  it  is  I,  it  is  iEsculapius,  who  has  thus  enter- 
tained you;  and  what  you  have  here  beheld  is  the  true 
image  of  the  deceitfulness  and  misery  inseparable  from 
luxury  and  intemperance.  Would  you  be  happy,  be 
temperate.  Temperance  is  the  parent  of  health,  virtue, 
wisdom,  plenty,  and  of  every  thing  that  can  render  you 
happy  in  this  world,  or  the  world' to  come.  It  is,  indeed, 
the  true  luxury  of  life;  for,  without  it,  life  cannot  be 
enjoyed.''  This  said,  he  disappeared;  and  Chremes, 
awaking,  and  instructed  by  the  vision,  altered  his  course 
of  life,  became  frugal,  temperate,  industrious;  and  by 
that  means  so  mended  his  health  and  estate,  that  he  lived 
without  pain,  to  a  very  old  age,  and  was  esteemed  one 
of  the  richest,  best,  and  wisest  men  in  Greece. 

Such  is  the  beautiful  moral  drawn  by  the  pen  of  ele- 
gant and  instructive  fiction;  with  which,  if  there  be  any 
mind  so  insensible  as  not  to  be  properly  affected,  let  us 
only  turn  to  that  striking  reality  presented  to  us  in  the 
case  of  Lewis  Cornaro.  This  gentleman  was  a  Vene- 
tian of  noble  extraction,  and  memorable  for  having  lived 
to  an  extreme  old  age;  for  he  was  above  a  hundred 
years  old  at  the  time  of  his  death,  which  happened  at 
Padua,  in  the  year  1565.  Amongst  other  little  perform- 
ances, he  left  behind  him  a  piece  entitled,  "  Of  the  ad- 
vantages of  a  Temperate  Life,"  of  which  we  will  here 
give  our  readers  some  account;  not  only  because  it  will 
very  well  illustrate  the  life  and  character  of  the  author, 
but  may  possibly  be  of  use  to  those  who  take  the  sum- 
mum  bonum^  or  chief  good  of  life,  to  consist  in  good 
eating.  He  was  moved,  it  seems,  to  compose  this  little 
piece  at  the  request  and  for  the  benefit  of  some  ingeni- 
ous young  men,  for  whom  he  had  a  regard;  and  who, 
having  long  since  lost  their  parents,  and  seeing  him, 
then  eighty- one  years  old,  in  a  fine,  florid  state  of  health, 
were  desirous  to  know  of  him  what  it  was  that  enabled 
him  to  preserve,  as  he  did,  a  sound  mind  in  a  sound  bo- 
dy, to  so  extreme  an  age.  He  describes  to  them,  there- 

N 


98 


On  HygieinCy  or  the  art 


fore,  his  whole  manner  of  living,  and  the  regimen  he 
had  always  pursued,  and  was  then  pursuing.  He  tells 
them  that,  when  he  was  young,  he  was  very  intempe- 
rate;  that  his  intemperance  had  brought  upon  him  many 
and  grievous  disorders;  that,  from  the  thirty-fifth  to  the 
fortieth  year  of  his  age,  he  spent  his  nights  and  days  in 
the  utmost  anxiety  and  pain;  and  that,  in  short,  his  life 
was  grown  a  burthen  to  him.  The  physicians,  however, 
as  he  relates,  notwithstanding  all  the  vain  and  fruitless 
efforts  which  they  had  made  to  restore  his  health,  told 
him  that  there  was  one  method  still  remaining,  which 
had  never  been  tried,  but  which,  if  they  could  but  pre- 
vail with  him  to  use  with  perseverance,  might  free  him, 
in  time,  from  all  his  complaints;  and  that  was  a  tempe- 
rate and  regular  way  of  living.  They  added,  moreover, 
that,  unless  he  resolved  to  apply  instantly  to  it,  his  case 
would  soon  become  desperate,  and  there  would  be  no 
hopes  at  all  of  his  recovery.  Upon  this  he  immediately- 
prepared  himself  for  his  new  regimen;  and  now  began 
to  eat  and  drink  nothing  but  what  was  proper  for  one 
in  his  WTak  habit  of  body:  but  this  was  at  first  very- 
disagreeable  to  him.  He  often  wanted  to  live  again  in  i 
his  old  manner;  and  did,  indeed,  indulge  himself  in  a 
freedom  of  diet,  sometimes,  without  the  knowledge  of 
his  physician;  but,  as  he  informs  us,  much  to  his  own 
detriment  and  uneasiness.  Driven,  in  the  mean  time,  by 
the  necessity  of  the  thing,  and  resolutely  exerting  all 
the  powers  of  his  understanding,  he  at  last  grew  con- 
firmed in  a  settled  and  uninterrupted  course  of  tempe- 
rance: by  virtue  of  which,  as  he  assures  us,  all  his  dis- 
orders had  left  him  in  less  than  a  year:  and  he  had  been 
a  firm  and  healthy  man,  from  thenceforward,  till  the 
time  in  which  he  wrote  his  treatise. 

Some  sensuahsts,  as  it  appears,  had  objected  to  his 
abstemious  manner  of  living;  and,  in  order  to  evince 
the  reasonableness  of  their  own,  had  urged  that  it  was 
not  worth  while  to  mortify  one's  appetites  at  such  a  rate 
for  the  sake  of  being  old,  since  all  that  was  life,  after 
the  age  of  sixty-five,  could  not  properly  be  called  a  liv- 
ing life,  but  a  dead  lifew    Now,"  says  he,  "  to  show 


of  Preserving  Health* 


99 


these  gentlemen  how  much  thpy  arc  mistaken,  I  will 
briefly  run  over  the  satisfactions  and  pleasures  which  I 
myself  enjoy  in  this  eighty-third  year  of  my  age.  In 
the  first  place,  I  am  always  well,  and  so  active,  withal, 
that  I  can,  with  ease,  mount  a  horse  upon  a  flat,  or  walk 
upon  the  tops  of  very  high  mountains.  In  the  next 
place,  I  am  always  cheerful,  pleasant,  perfectly  content- 
ed, and  free  from  all  perturbation,  and  every  uneasy 
thought.  I  have  none  of  that  fastidium  vita^  that  satiety 
of  life,  so  often  to  be  met  with  in  persons  of  my  age.  I 
take  a  view  of  palaces,  gardens,  antiquities,  public  build- 
ings, temples,  fortifications,  and  endeavour  to  let  nothing 
escape  me  which  may  afford  the  least  amusement  to  a 
rational  mind.  Nor  are  these  pleasures  at  all  blunted  by 
the  usual  imperfections  of  great  age;  for  I  enjoy  all  my 
senses  in  perfect  vigour;  my  taste  especially,  in  so  high 
a  degree,  that  I  have  a  better  relish  for  the  plainest  food 
now  than  I  had  for  the  choicest  delicacies  formerly,  when 
immersed  in  a  life  of  luxury." 

As  a  principal  rule  of  diet,  we  ought  to  take  food  with 
an  easy  and  serene  mind,  and  to  eat  slowly.  The  stomach 
suffering  in  this  case  a  very  gradual  distention,  as  the 
food  has  sufficient  time  to  be  duly  prepared  by  masti- 
cation. To  eat  of  one  dish  only  seems  most  conformable 
to  nature,  and  is,  doubtless,  the  means  of  procuring  the 
most  healthy  fluids. 

The  diet  ought  npt  only  to  be  such  as  is  best  adapted 
to  the  constitution,  but  likewise  to  be  taken  at  regular 
periods;  for  long  fasting  is  hurtful  at  any  stage  of  life. 
All  great  and  sudden  changes  of  diet  are  universally  dan- 
gerous, particularly  from  a  rich  and  full  diet  to  a  low  and 
sparing  one.  When,  therefore  a  change  becomes  neces- 
sary, it  ought  always  to  be  made  byidegrees. 

When  a  person  has  suffered  so  much  from  extreme 
hunger,  much  food  must  not  be  given  him  at  once.  By 
full  feeding,  thousands  long  starved  at  sea,  have  been 
destroyed  at  once.  Such  persons  should  be  supplied  with 
liquid  food,  and  that  sparingly. 

As  soon  as  the  food  has  entered  the  stomach,  the  im- 


100 


On  Hygieine^  or  the  art 


portant  office  of  digestion  begins.  The  vigour  of  the 
organs  exerted  on  this  occasion,  ought  certainly  not  to 
be  abridged  by  violent  exercise;  but  muscular  and  ro- 
bust people  feel  no  inconvenience  from  gentle  motion 
about  one  hour  after  the  heaviest  meal.  But  as  the  whole 
process  of  digestion  is  of  much  longer  duration  than  is 
generally  imagined,  the  afternoon  hours  cannot  be  em- 
ployed so  advantageously  to  health  in  any  labour  re- 
quiring strong  exertions. 

In  violent  exercise,  or  an  increased  state  of  perspira- 
tion, the  fluids  are  propelled  to  the  external  parts,  and 
withdrawn  from  the  stomach,  where  they  are  indispen- 
sable to  assist  the  proper  concoction. 

Exclusive  of  the  quantity  and  quality  of  food,  great 
attention  is  due  to  the  kind  of  it  in  particular  constitu- 
tions. Animal  food  in  general  is  more  nourishing  than 
vegetable,  and  when  fresh,  is  likewise  more  easy  of  di- 
gestion. On  this  account,  it  generally  agrees  best  with 
delicate  and  weak  constitutions. 

But  the  flesh  of  young  animals,  with  a  proportionate 
quantity  of  well  boiled  and  wholesome  vegetables,  is  the 
best  diet  adapted  to  our  system.  In  summer  it  is  ad- 
visable to  increase  the  proportion  of  vegetable  food,  and 
to  make  use  of  acids,  such  as  vinegar,  lemons,  oranges, 
and  the  like.  With  regard  to  our  food,  however,  in 
quantity  and  quality,  it  should  be  properly  proportioned 
to  our  exercise.  The  labourer,  who  is  perpetually  toiling 
from  morning  till  night,  could  not  subsist  on  food  ap- 
propriated to  those  who  pursue  not  the  severer  exercises 
of  the  body;  his  diet  must  be  of  the  coarser  kind,  such 
as  salted  meats  or  fish,  cheese,  corn  bread,  potatoes, 
onions,  and  peas,  and  these  in  pretty  large  quantities. 

On  the  whole,  it  will  be  found  to  be  the  safest  both  in 
health  and  sickness  to  regulate  our  diet  with  simplicity, 
ever  bearing  in  mind  that  a  preference  is  to  be  given  to 
such  articles  as  our  personal  knowledge  has  demonstra- 
ted to  be  the  most  congenial  to  our  constitutions  and 
habits. 

Nature  has  appointed  milk  for  the  food  of  children; 


of  Preserving  Healths 


101 


because  on  account  of  their  growth  they  require  much 
nourishment.  From  this  circumstance  we  may  also  con- 
clude, that  milk  is  easily  digested  by  healthy  stomachs, 
since  at  the  early  age  of  children  the  digestive  powers 
are  but  feeble;  and  hence  it  is  of  service  to  persons  en- 
feebled by  dissipation  or  disease.  Yet  milk  is  not  a  pro- 
per food  for  the  debilitated  in  all  cases;  nay,  under  cir- 
cumstances, it  may  even  be  hurtful.  It  does  not,  for 
instance,  agree  with  hypochondriacs;  as  it  occasions 
cramp  of  the  stomach,  heart-burn,  colic,  or  diarrhoea. 
Febrile  patients,  whose  weak  organs  of  digestion  do  not 
admit  of  nutritious  food,  and  whose  preternatural  heat 
would  too  Asily  change  the  milk  into  a  rancid  mass, 
must  abstain  from  it  altogether. 

With  these  exceptions,  milk  is  an  excellent  species 
of  diet,  generally  of  easy  digestion,  insomuch,  that  per- 
sons much  reduced  in  bodily  vigour,  have  been  cured 
by  eating  milk  only. 

Buttermilk^  when  new  and  sweet,  is  cooling  and  re- 
freshing;  as  also  is  bonny-clabber. 

Cheese,  being  made  of  the  tough  parts  of  milk,  is  dif- 
ficult of  digestion;  and  should  be  used  with  caution,  ex- 
cept by  the  hearty  and  laborious. 

Eggs,  when  fresh,  and  soft  boiled,  are  as  wholesome 
as  they  are  delicious;  but  when  hard  boiled,  they  are 
indigestible;  and  when  corrupt  or  tainted,  have  occa- 
sioned violent  purging  and  vomiting,  and  putrid  fevers. 

Fish  in  general,  are  less  nourishing  than  other  animal 
food,  though  they  are  not  difficult  of  digestion  while  in 
a  fresh  state.  Salt  water  fish  are  perhaps  the  best  of  any, 
as  their  flesh  is  more  solid,  more  agreeable  and  healthy, 
less  exposed  to  putrescency,  and  less  viscid.  Fresh  wa- 
ter fish  should  lie  in  strong  salt  and  water,  an  hour  or 
two  before  they  are  dressed;  otherwise  the  mud  flavour 
that  is  in  them  is  very  apt  to  nauseate  weak  stomachs. 


102 


On  Hygieine^  or  the  aH 


Crabs  and  lobsters^  when  quite  fresh,  are  excellent 
food,  but  if  tainted,  they  are  no  better  than  poison.  The 
inhabitants  of  inland  towns  cannot  be  too  cautious  in 
their  use  of  them. 

Oysters^  when  raw,  are  easily  digested,  and  may  be 
eaten  with  great  advantage  even  by  the  weak  and  con- 
sumptive. If  eaten  in  any  quantity,  they  produce  laxa- 
tive effects;  hence  they  afford  an  excellent  supper  tp 
those  liable  to  costiveness. 

Poultry,  as  chickens  and  turkeys,  furnishes  a  most 
valuable  aliment.  * 

Venison,  and  every  variety  of  game,  form  a  light  and 
wholesome  food,  and  extremely  useful  to  delicate  sto- 
machs. 

Beef,  pork  and  bacon,  yield  a  copious  and  permanent 
nourishment;  and  when  taken  in  moderate  quantities, 
agree  well  with  all  stomachs  and  constitutions. 

Sausages  are  a  substantial  kind  of  nourishment,  but 
require  strong  stomachs  to  digest  them.  The  same 
may  be  said  of  blood-sausages,  usually  called  black  pud- 
dings. 

Bread,  which  is  called  the  staff  of  life,  is  very  pro- 
perly eaten  with  animal  food,  to  correct  the  disposition 
to  putrescency;  but  is  most  expedient  with  such  articles 
in  diet  as  contain  much  nourishment  in  a  small  bulk,  be- 
cause it  then  serves  to  give  the  stomach  a  proper  degree 
of  expansion.  To  render  bread  easy  of  digestion,  it 
ought  to  be  well  fermented.  To  persons  troubled  with 
flatulency  and  indigestion,  all  pastry  whatever  is  un- 
wholesome, frequently  producing  dangerous  colics  and 
incurable  obstructions. 


Fruit,  in  general,  possesses  strongly  resolvent  pow- 
«rs,  and  is  the  more  beneficial  as  it  comes  to  maturity 


of  Preserving  Health. 


103 


at  a  time  when  the  body  is  relaxed  by  the  heat  of  sum- 
mer, and  when  the  blood  has  a  strong  tendency  to  in- 
flammation. It  is  besides  of  great  service  in  attenuating 
the  thick  bilious  impurities  collected  during  the  sum- 
mer, and  of  evacuating  them  by  its  laxative  virtues. — 
The  acid  contained  in  most  kinds  of  fruit,  is  as  useful 
to  quench  thirst  as  to  resist  putrefaction.  In  weak  sto- 
machs, however,  or  such  as  are  filled  with  impurities 
and  slime,  it  is  apt  to  ferment  and  occasion  some  incon- 
venience; but  this  may  be  avoided  by  a  temperate  use. 
It  is  most  wholesome  when  eaten  on  an  empty  stomach, 
which  can  exert  all  its  power  to  expel  the  air  disengaged 
from  it,  and  to  remove  it  before  it  begins  to  ferment. 
Boiling,  as  well  as  drying,  corrects  the  flatulent  tenden- 
cy of  fresh  fruit;  so  that  thus  prepared,  it  will  agree  with 
almost  all  stomachs.  By  either  of  these  methods  it  is  de- 
prived of  its  superfluous  humidity,  as  well  as  of  its  fixed 
air;  whence  it  becomes  more  nourishing,  but  less  cool- 
ing than  in  the  fresh  state. 

In  our  aliment,  an  essential  part  is  drink^  the  use  of 
which  is  indispensable  to  the  digestion  of  food. 

ffatevy  as  the  basis  of  most  of  our  drinks,  should  be 
carefully  obtained  in  its  highest  purity.  Passing,  for  the 
most  part,  through  subterranean  channels,  it  is  often 
impregnated  with  metals  or  minerals  of  a  nature  injuri- 
ous to  the  constitution;  and  such  impregnation  may  be 
known  by  the  sensible  qualities  of  the  water.  The  best 
water  is  that  which  is  pure,  light,  and  without  any  par- 
ticular colour,  taste  or  smell.  Where  water  cannot  be 
obtained  pure  from  springs,  wells,  rivers  or  lakes,  care 
should  be  taken  to  deprive  it  of  its  pernicious  qualities, 
by  boiling  and  filtering,  but  most  effectually  by  distilla- 
tion.  Any  putrid  substances  in  the  water,  may  be  cor- 
rected by  the  addition  of  an  acid.  Thus  half  an  ounce  of 
alum,  in  powder,  will  make  twelve  gallons  of  corrupted 
water  pure  and  transparent  in  two  hours,  without  im- 
parting a  sensible  degree  of  astringency.  Charcoal  pow- 
der has  also  been  found  of  great  efficacy  in  checking  the 


104 


On  Hygieinc,  or  the  art 


putrid  tendency  of  water.  To  the  same  purpose  vinegar 
and  other  strong  acids,  are  well  adapted. 

Whatever  kind  of  drink  is  used,  it  ought  to  be  taken 
always  in  a  moderate  quantity.  Too  much  drink,  even 
of  water,  innocent  as  it  is,  tends  to  oppress  and  weaken 
the  stomach,  of  course  to  generate  acidities  and  flatu- 
lence. 

Some  advise  us  never  to  drink  without  eating  some- 
thing, but  he  who  drinks  only  when  nature  requires  it, 
has  no  occasion  to  eat  every  time  he  drinks.  Persons,  on 
the  contrary,  who  are  once  accustomed  to  drink  more 
than  is  necessary,  or  to  make  use  of  hot,  stimulating, 
and  intoxicating  liquors,  would  do  well  always  to  eat 
some  bread,  or  other  solid  food,  along  with  them. 

An  undue  proportion  of  drink,  renders  the  mass  of 
blood  too  thin  and  watery,  and  occasions  a  general  de- 
bility of  the  body.  On  the  other  hand,  too  little  drink 
renders  the  blood  thick  and  viscid,  and  weakens  the  di- 
gestive powers.  Light  and  well  fermented  beer,  is  a 
wholesome,  and  at  the  same  time,  diluent  species  of 
nourishment.  With  persons  already  plethoric,  the  light- 
est beer  generally  agrees  best.  Thick  and  nourishing 
beer,  is  of  service  to  wet  nurses,  and  the  debilitated. 
Sweet  beers  are  only  nourishing,  but  the  bitter  kinds 
are  strengthening  also.  The  latter  are  beneficial  in  a 
weak  state  of  digestion,  and  to  people  troubled  with 
acid  in  the  stomach;  yet  sweet  beer  is  more  wholesome 
for  daily  use,  and  at  the  same  time  less  exposed  to  dan- 
gerous adulterations. 

Cider^  when  properly  fermented  and  pure,  is  also  a 
pleasant  and  wholesome  liquor.  On  the  contrary,  when 
it  is  new  or  tart,  we  cannot  recommend  it  as  a  salubrious 
beverage. 

TFine^  when  pure,  and  used  in  moderation,  certainly 
conduces  to  health,  especially  in  weak  and  languid  ha- 
bits. See  Vine.  Mat.  Med. 


Ardent  Spirits^  when  properly  diluted,  is  likewise  ap 


of  Preserving  Healtlu 


105 


excellent  beverage  and  antiseptic.  These  liquors  are  of 
considerable  service  in  preventing  the  bad  eft'ects  of  a 
moist  and  cold  atmosphere,  pestilential  vapours,  damp 
military  camps,  unclean  occupations,  and  occasionally 
too,  of  a  temporary  abstinence  from  food. 

But  as  the  infusion  of  too  great  a  quantity  of  oil  im- 
mediately extinguishes  the  lamp;  the  light  of  reason 
and  the  lamp  of  life  itself  are  frequently  suffocated,  and 
put  out  for  ever  by  an  imprudent  use  of  either  wine  or 
spirits. 

It  was  a  usual  custom  amongst  the  Romans  to  drink 
down  the  evening,  and  to  drink  up  the  morning  star: 
and  another  of  their  common  practices  was,  to  drink 
so  many  cups  and  healths,  as  there  were  letters  in  the 
names  of  their  mistresses: 

Six  cups  to  Navia's  health,  seven  to  Justina  be. 
To  Lijcas  five,  to  Lyde  four,  and  then  to  Ida  three. 

Martial. 

A  young  officer  meeting  with  several  of  his  old  ac- 
quaintances, and  being  induced  by  them  to  follow  the 
example  of  the  Romans  in  this  respect,  was  so  over- 
come  by  what  he  drank,  that  he  laid  himself  down  to 
sleep,  upon  a  bench,  which  was  near  to  an  open  case- 
ment; there  was  his  face  beat  upon  all  the  night  long, 
by  a  thick  snow  that  had  fallen.  In  the  morning  he  had 
a  strange  writhing  in  his  mouth;  his  right  cheek,  which 
lay  nearest  to  the  window,  was  fixed,  nor  was  he  able 
to  move  the  eye-brow,  or  any  of  the  muscles  on  that 
side  of  the  face,  in  consequence  of  a  partial  stroke  of 
the  palsy. 

Some  riotous  Students,  at  a  famous  University,  were 
entertained  by  Mr.  R.  a  bachelor,  at  his  chamber,  who 
intending  to  treat  them  to  the  height  of  intemperance, 
had  so  gorged  himself  with  toddy  and  wine  that  he  was 
f^ist  asleep  at  the  table  he  sat  by;  in  which  posture  his 
associates  left  hini.  A  candle  stood  upon  the  table  near 
him;  and  in  liis  sleep  he  had  turned  himself  so  incon- 

O 


106 


On  Hygieinv,  or  the  art 


veniently,  that  it  burnt  his  breast,  and  the  parts  about 
it,  in  such  a  manner,  that  his  entrails  might  be  seen, 
which  yet  was  not  perceived  by  him  that  was  buried 
in  wine.  In  the  morning  he  was  called  on  and  awakened 
by  his  fellow  toss-pots,  and  invited  by  them  to  take  a 
glass  of  mint  cordial,  when  he  complained  of  insuffer- 
able torments. 

The  most  skilful  physicians  were  immediately  sent 
for,  but  in  vain  did  they  endeavour  to  oppose  so  great 
a  burning;  so  that  in  horrid  torments,  upon  the  third 
day  following,  he  concluded  his  miserable  life;  having 
first  warned  his  companions,  with  tears,  to  beware  of 
intemperance. 

Tea  is  considered  by  some  as  being  highly  injurious, 
while  others  have  either  asserted  its  innocence,  or  even 
ascribed  to  it  extraordinary  virtues.  When  taken  in  a 
large  quantity,  or  very  strong,  and  at  a  late  hour,  it  of- 
ten produces  watchfulness;  but  if  used  in  moderation, 
It  greatly  relieves  an  oppressed  stomach,  and  pains  of 
the  head.  It  ought,  however,  to  be  made  of  a  moderate 
strength,  otherwise  it  certainly  effects  the  nerves.  Hy- 
pochondriac and  hysteric  people  are  much  deceived  in 
their  opinions  of  the  efficacy  of  tea;  for  all  the  evils 
arising  from  weak  stomachs  and  flatulency,  of  which 
they  complain,  are  certainly  increased  by  tea,  especially 
if  taken  in  large  quantities,  and  strong.  The  cold  sto- 
mach which  they  propose  to  warm  by  it,  is  a  mere 
phantom  of  the  brain;  for  this  sensation  of  cold,  is  no- 
thing but  relaxation,  which,  instead  of  being  removed 
by  hot  liquors,  is  assuredly  increased  by  them. 

Coffee  promotes  digestion,  and  exhilarates  the  animal 
spirits;  but  an  excessive  use  of  it,  like  tea,  aflects  the 
nerves,  occasions  watchfulness,  and  trembling  of  the 
hands.  As  possessing  excellent  antispasmodic  virtues, 
it  is  a  favourite  bevera'ge  with  the  hypocondriac  and 
hysteric. 

Chocolate  is  nutritious  and  wholesome,  if  taken  in 


of  Preserving  Health.  107 

small  quantity;  but  to  the  corpulent  arid  weak,  particu- 
larly those  which  whom  a  vegetable  diet  disagrees,  it 
is  generally  hurtful. 


OF  EXERCISE. 

 By  health  the  peasant's  toil 

Is  well  repaid;  if  exercise  were  pain 
Indeed,  and  temperance  pain.  By  arts  like  these 
Laconia  nursed  of  old  her  hardy  sons; 
And  Rome's  unconquered  legions  urged  their  way, 
Unhurt,  through  every  toil  in  every  clime. 
Toil  and  be  strong.  By  toil  the  flaccid  nerves 
Grow  firm,  and  gain  a  more  compacted  tone; 
The  greener  juices  are  by  toll  subdu'd. 
Mellowed,  and  subtilis'd;  the  vapid  old 
Expell'd,  and  all  the  rancour  of  the  blood. 
Begin  with  gentJe  toils,  and,  as  your  nerves, 
Grow  fii-m,  to  hardier  by  just  steps  aspire. 
The  prudent,  even  in  every  moderate  walk. 
At  first  but  saunter;  and  by  slow  degrees 
Increase  their  pace.  This  doctrine  of  the  wise. 
Well  knows  the  master  of  the  flying  steed. 

Armstrong. 


It  was  a  common  saying  among  the  ancients,  that 
acute  diseases  are  from  heaven  and  chronic  from  our- 
selves. To  die,  says  Dr.  Johnson,  is  the  fate  of  man; 
but  to  die  with  lingering  anguish,  is  generally  his  own 
folly.  Inactivity  never  fails  to  induce  an  universal  re- 
laxation of  the  contractile  fibres.  When  these  fibres 
are  relaxed,  neither  the  digestion,  the  circulation,  npr 
the  peristaltic  motion  can  be  duly  performed. 

It  is  absolutely  impossible  to  enjoy  health  where  the 
perspiration  also  is  not  duly  carried  on;  and  that  can 
never  be  the  case,  where  exercise  is  neglected. 

The  necessity  of  action  is  not  only  demonstrable  from 
the  {di\)nQ  of  the  body,  but  evident  from  the  observa- 


108  On  Hygieine^  or  the  art 

tion  of  the  universal  practice  of  mankind,  who,  for  the 
preservation  of  health  in  those  whose  rank  or  wealth 
exempts  them  from  the  necessity  of  labour,  have  in- 
vented sporrs  and  diversions,  though  not  of  equal  use 
to  the  world  with  agricultural  employments,  yet  of 
equal  fatigue  to  those  who  practice  them,  and  differing 
only  from  the  drudgery  ot  the  husbandman,  as  they  are 
acts  of  choice,  and  therefore  performed  without  the 
painful  sensation  of  compulsion. 

But  such  is  the  constitution  of  man,  that  labour  may 
be  styled  its  own  reward,  nor  will  any  external  excite- 
ments be  requisite,  if  it  be  considered  how  much  hap- 
piness is  gained,  and  how  much  misery  escaped,  by 
frequent  and  violent  agitation  of  the  body. 

"Love  labour,"  cried  a  Philosopher,  "  if  you  do  not 
want  it  for  food,  you  may  for  physic."  The  idle  man  is 
more  perplexed  what  to  do,  than  the  industrious  in 
doing  what  he  ought.  Action  keeps  the  soul  in  con- 
stant health;  but  idleness  corrupts  and  rusts  the  mind. 

A  gentleman  was  under  close  confinement  in  the 
Bastile  seven  years,  during  which  he  amtised  himself 
in  scattering  a  few  small  pins  about  his  chamber,  ga- 
thering them  up  again,  and  placing  them  in  different 
figures  on  the  arm  of  a  great  chair.  He  often  told  his 
friends,  afterwards,  that  unless  he  had  found  out  this 
piece  of  exercise,  he  verily  believed  he  should  have 
lost  his  senses. 

"  Pray,  of  what  did  your  brother  die?"  said  the 
Marquis  Spinola,  one  day,  to  Sir  Horace  Vere.  He 
died,  Sir,"  said  he,  '*of  having  nothing  to  do." — Alas! 
Sir,"  said  Spinola,  **that  is  enough  to  kill  any  general 
of  us  all." 

Indolence  often  originates  from  a  mistaken  educa- 
tion, m  which  pleasure  or  flattery  is  made  the  immedi- 
ate motive  of  action,  and  not  future  advantage,  or  what 
is  termed  duty.  This  observation  is  of  great  value  to 
those  who  attend  to  the  education  of  their  own  children* 


of  Preserving  Health. 


109 


I  have  seen  (says  Dr.  Darwin)  one  or  two  younj^  mar- 
ried ladies  of  foriune,  who  j)crpetually  became  uneasy, 
and  believed  themselves  ill,  a  week  after  their arrivalin 
the  country,  and  continued  so  uniformly  during  their 
stay;  yet,  on  their  return  to  London  or  Bath,  immedi- 
ately lost  all  their  complaints;  and  this  repeatedly; 
which  I  was  led  to  ascribe  to  their  being  in  (heir  infancy 
surrounded  with  menial  attendants,  who  had  flattered 
them  into  the  exertions  they  then  used.  And  that  in 
their  riper  years,  they  became  torpid  for  want  of  this 
stimulus,  and  could  not  amuse  themselves  by  any  vo- 
luntary employment;  but  required  ever  after  either  to  be 
amused  by  other  people,  or  to  be  flattered  into  activity. 

Dr.  Johnson  says,  "  whenever  chance  brings  within 
my  observation  a  knot  of  young  ladies,  busy  at  their 
needles,  I  consider  myself  as  in  the  school  of  virtue;  and 
though  1  have  no  extraordinary  skill  in  plain  work  or 
embroidery,  I  look  upon  their  operations  with  as  much 
satisfaction  as  their  governess,  because  I  regard  them  as 
providing  a  security  against  the  most  dangerous  insnarers 
of  the  soul,  by  enabling  themselves  to  exclude  idleness 
from  their  solitary  moments,  and  with  idleness,  its  at- 
tendant train  of  passions,  fancies,  chimeras,  fears,  sor- 
rows, and  desires." 

If  sedentary  employments  are  intermixed  with  a  due 
quantity  of  exercise,  they  will  never  injure  health. 

Weak  fibres  are  the  constant  companions  of  inactivity. 
Nothing  but  daily  exercise  in  the  open  air  can  brace  and 
strengthen  the  powers  of  the  stomach,  and  prevent  an 
endless  train  of  diseases,  which  proceed  from  a  relaxed 
state  of  that  organ.  We  seldom  hear  the  active  and  labo- 
rious complain  of  what  are  called  nervous  diseases;  these 
are  reserved  for  the  sons  of  idleness.  Many  have  been 
completely  cured  of  these  disorders  by  being  reduced 
from  a  state  of  opulence  to  labour  for  their  daily  bread. 
This  plainly  points  out  the  sources  whence  nervous  dis. 
eases  flow^  and  the  means  by  which  they  niiay  be  pre- 
vented. 


110 


On  Hygieine^  or  the  art 


 Weariness 

Can  snore  upon  the  flint;  when  resty  sloth 
Finds  the  downy  pillow  bard. 

The  shades  descend,  and  midnight  o'er  the  world 

Expands  her  sable  wings.  Great  nature  droops 

Through  all  her  works.  How  happy  he  whose  toil 

Has  o'er  his  languid  powerless  limbs  diffused 

A  pleasing  lassitude.  He  not  in  vain 

Invokes  the  gentle  deity  of  dreams. 

By  toil  subdued^  the  warrior  and  the  hind 

Sleep  fast  and  deep, — Their  active  functions  soon 

With  generous  streams  their  subtle  tubes  supply 

Ere  morn,  the  tonic  irritable  nerves 

Feel  the  fresh  impulse,  and  awake  the  soul. 

Armstrong. 

Independent  of  the  blessing  of  health  by  exercise, 
"the  hand  of  the  diligent,"  as  justly  observed  by  Dr. 
Dodd,  maketh  rich;  but  the  soul  of  the  sluggard 
desire th,  and  hath  nothing." 

A  gentleman  states,  that  as  he  was  sitting  with  some 
friends  before  the  door  of  the  Capitol,  a  beggar  pre- 
sented himself,  who  with  sighs  and  tears,  and  lamentable 
gestures,  expressed  his  miserable  poverty,  saying  withal, 
that  he  had  about  him  a  private  disorder,  which  shame 
prevented  him  from  discovering  to  the  eyes  of  men." 
They,  pitying  the  case  of  the  poor  man,  gave  each  of 
them  sometliing,  and  he  departed:  one  amongst  them 
sent  his  servant  after  him,  to  enquire  what  his  private 
infirmity  might  be,  which  he  was  so  loth  to  discover? 
The  servant  overtook  him,  and  desired  that  satisfaction; 
and  having  diligently  viewed  his  face,  breast,  arms^  &c. 
and  finding  all  his  limbs  in  good  plight,  "  I  see  nothing," 


of  Preserving  Health. 


Ill 


said  he,  whereof  you  have  any  such  reason  to  com- 
plain.'' "Alas!"  said  the  beggar,  **the  disease  that  afflicts 
me,  is  far  different  from  what  you  conceive  of,  and  is  such 
as  you  cannot  see;  it  is  an  evil  that  has  crept  over  my 
whole  body;  it  is  passed  through  the  very  veins  and 
marrow  of  me,  in  such  a  manner,  that  there  is  no  one 
member  of  my  body  that  is  able  to  tak^  proper  exercise, 
or  do  any  work;  this  disease  by  some  is  called  idleness." 
The  servant  hearing  this,  left  him  in  anger,  and  returned 
with  this  account  of  him;  which,  after  they  had  well 
laughed  at,  they  sent  to  make  further  inquiry  after  this 
beggar,  but  he  had  withdrawn  himself. 

To  show  the  absolute  necessity  of  exercise  in  cold 
climates,  we  cannot  omit  relating  the  botanical  excursion 
of  Sir  Joseph  Banks,  Dr.  Solander,  and  others,  on  the 
heights  of  Terra- del- Ftlego.  Dr.  Solander,  who  had 
more  than  once  crossed  the  mountains  which  divide 
Sweden  from  Norway,  well  knew  that  extreme  cold 
produced  a  torpor  and  sleepiness  almost  irresistible;  he 
therefore  conjured  the  company  to  keej)  always  in  mo- 
tion, whatever  pain  it  might  cost  them,  and  whatever 
relief  they  might  be  promised  by  rest:      Whoever  sits 
down,''''  said- he,  '•'-will  sleep;  and  xvhoever  sleeps  will 
wake  no  more^  Thus  at  once  admonished  and  alarmed, 
they  set  forward,  but  while  they  were  still  upon  the 
naked  rock,  and  before  they  got  among  the  bushes,  the 
cold  was  so  intense,  as  to  produce  the  effects  that  had 
been  most  dreaded-  Dr.  Solander,  himself,  was  the  first 
who  found  the  inclination,  against  which  he  had  warned 
others,  irresistible;  and  insisted  upon  being  suffered  to 
lie  down.  Sir  Joseph  Banks  entreated  and  remonstrated 
with  him  in  vain;  down  he  lay  upon  the  ground,  though 
it  was  covered  with  snow;  and  it  was  with  great  difiicultv 
that  his  friends  kept  him  from  sleeping.  One  of  his 
black  servants  also  began  to  linger.  Partly  by  persuasion, 
and  partly  by  force,  the  company  made  them  go  forward. 
Soon,  however,  they  both  declared,     they  would  go  no 
farther."  Sir  Joseph  Banks  had  recourse  again  to  ex-! 
postulation^  but  this  produced  no  effect.  '^When  thel 


112 


On  Hygieine,  or  the  art 


black  was  told,  that  if  he  did  not  go  on,  he  would  in 
Ik  short  time  be  frozen  to  death,  he  answered  that  he 
desired  nothing  so  mnch  as  to  lie  down  and  Jdie.  The 
Doctor  did  not  so  explicitly  renounce  his  life;  he  said 
he  could  go  on,  but  that  he  must  first  take  some  slecp^'^ 
thougli  he  had  before  told  the  company,  that  "  to  sleep, 
was  to  perish."  They  both  in  a  few  minutes  fell  into  a 
profound  sleep;  after  considerable  exertions  they  happily 
succeeded  in  waking  the  Doctor,  who  had  almost  lost 
the  use  of  his  limbs,  and  the  muscles  were  so  shrunk, 
that  his  shoes  fell  from  his  feet;  but  every  attempt  to 
rclieve  the  unfortunate  black  proved  unsuccessful. 

The  ten  thousand  Greeks,  in  their  memorable  retreat 
in  passing  through  Amenia,  were  exposed,  says  Xeno- 
phon,  to  a  contest  still  more  dangerous  than  the  enemy, 
in  which  neither  skill  nor  valour  could  avail.  The  snow 
fell  in  such  quantities  during  the  night,  as  completely 
covered  the  men  with  their  arms.  Their  bodies,  when 
freed  from  the  snow,  were  benumbed  and  parched  with 
the  piercing  coldness  of  the  north  wind.  Many  slaves 
end  sumpter  horses  perished,  with  about  thirty  soldiers. 
It  was  observed,  that  those  died  who  did  not  use  suffi- 
cient exercise. 

Since  we  have  touched  upon  the  subject  of  cold,  we 
cannot  forbear  inserting  the  observations  of  the  im- 
mortal Darwin. 

Animal  bodies  resist  the  power  of  cold  probably  by 
their  exertions.  But  if  these  increased  exertions  be  too 
violent,  so  as  to  exhaust  the  power  of  the  brain,  the 
animal  will  probably  sooner  perish.  Thus,  a  moderate 
quantity  of  wine  or  spirit,  repeated  at  proper  intervals 
of  tiuic,  might  be  of  service  to  those  who  are  long  ex- 
posed to  excessive  cold,  both  by  increasing  the  action  of 
the  capillary  vessels,  and  thus  producing  heat,  and  per- 
haps by  increasing  in  some  degree  the  secretion  of  sen- 
sorial power  in  the  brain.  But  the  contrary  must  happen 
when  taken  immediatel}',  and  not  at  due  intervals.  A 


of  Prese^-ving  Health. 


113 


well  attested  history  was  once  related  to  me  of  two  men, 
who  set  out  on  foot  to  travel  in  the  snow,  one  of  whom 
drank  two  or  three  glasses  of  brandy  before  they  began 
their  journey,  the  other  contented  himself  with  his  usual 
diet  and  potation;  the  former  of  whom  perished,  in  spite 
of  every  assistance  his  companion  could  afford  him,  and 
the  other  performed  his  journey  with  safety.  In  this 
case  the  power  of  the  brain  was  exhausted  by  the  unne- 
cessary motions  of  incipient  intoxication  by  the  stimulus 
of  the  brandy,  as  well  as  by  the  exertions  of  walking, 
which  so  weakened  the  dram-drinker,  that  the  cold 
sooner  destroyed  him;  that  is,  he  had  not  power  to  pro- 
duce sufficient  muscular  or  arterial  action,  and  in  con- 
sequence sufficient  heat  to  supply  the  great  expenditure 
of  it.  Hence  the  capillaries  or  smaller  vessels  of  the 
skin,  first  ceased  to  act,  and  became  pale  and  empty; 
next  those  which  are  immediately  associated  with  them, 
as  the  extremities  of  the  pulmonary  artery,  as  happens 
on  going  into  the  cold  bath.  By  the  continued  inaction 
of  these  parts  of  the  vascular  system,  the  blood  becomes 
accumulated  in  the  internal  arteries,  and  the  brain  is 
supposed  to  be  affected  by  its  compression;  because 
these  patients  are  said  to  sleep,  or  to  become  apoplec- 
tic, before  they  die. 

When  travellers  are  benighted  in  deep  snow,  they 
might  frequently  save  themselves  by  lying  down  on  the 
dry  ground,  and  suffering  themselves  to  be  entirely 
covered  with  the  snow,  except  a  small  hole  for  air.  The 
ground  being  usually  at  the  40th  degree  of  cold,  that  is, 
eight  degrees  above  freezing,  and  the  snow  in  contact 
with  their  clothes,  thawing  and  contracting  into  the 
snow  next  to  it,  would  form  above  them  a  close  dry  co- 
verlid, that  would  perfectly  exclude  the  external  cold, 
and  place  them  in  a  situation  almost  as  warm  as  a  bed! 

My  reverend  and  worthy  friend,  Dr.  Andrew  Hun- 
ter, of  Washington,  overcome  with  the  fatigued  of  a 
long  day's  march,  during  the  revolutionary  war,  threw 
himself  down  with  the  rest  of  the  armv,  on  the  cold  fro- 

P 


114 


On  Hygieiney  or  the  art 


zen  ground.  His  only  cover  was  a  blanket,  and  a  saddle 
his  pillow.  Instantly  his  wearied  senses  were  locked  up 
in  sleep  so  sound,  that  he  never  felt  the  cold  snow, 
which  presently  began  to  fall  in  heavy  flakes  upon  him. 
Next  morning  when  he  awoke,  he  was  astonished  at  his 
situation — a  heavy  fall  of  snow  a  foot  deep  had  com- 
pletely covered  him,  through  which  the  heat  of  his 
breath,  melting  the  snow  as  it  fell,  had  formed  a  nice 
opening.  Having  raised  his  head,  and  seeing  his  com- 
rades still  asleep,  he  laid  himself  down  to  enjoy  a  little 
longer  this  singular  kind  of  bed,  which  he  declared  was 
very  pleasant. 

If  these  facts  were  more  generally  known,  they  might 
save  the  lives  of  many  valuable  citizens. 


OF  SLEEP. 

The  shades  descend,  and  midnig-ht  o'er  the  v/orld 

Expands  her  sable  wings.  Great  Nature  droops 

Through  all  her  works.  Now  happy  he  whose  toil 

Has  o'er  his  languid  powerless  limbs  diffused 

A  pleasing  lassitude:  he  not  in  vain 

Invokes  the  gentle  Deity  of  dreams. 

His  powers  the  most  voluptuously  dissolve 

In  soft  repose:  on  him  the  balmy  dews 

Of  sleep  with  double  nutriment  descend. 

Armstrong, 

"Tired  nature's  sweet  restorer,  balmy  sleep,"  can- 
not be  dispensed  with.  It  introduces  a  most  welcome 
vacation,  both  for  the  soul  and  the  body.  The  exercises 
of  the  brain  and  the  labours  of  the  hands,  are  at  once 
discontinued;  so  that  the  weary  limbs  repair  their  ex- 
hausted vigour,  while  the  pensive  thoughts  drop  their 
load  of  sorrows,  and  the  busy  ones  rest  from  the  fatigue 
of  application.  Most  reviving  cordial!  equally  beneficial 
to  our  animal  and  intellectual  powers. 

Since  sleep  is  so  absolutely  necessary,  so  inestimably 
valuable,  observe  what  a  fine  apparatus  Almighty  Good- 


of  Preserving  Health. 


115 


ness  has  made  to  accommodate  us  with  the  balmy  bless- 
ing. With  how  kind  a  precaution  he  removes  whatever 
might  obstruct  its  access,  or  impede  its  influence!  He 
draws  around  us  the  curtain  of  darkness,  which  inclines 
us  to  a  drowsy  indolence,  and  conceals  every  object  that 
might  too  strongly  agitate  the  senses.  He  conveys  peace 
into  our  apartments,  and  imposes  silence  on  the  whole 
creation.  May  we  not  discern  in  this  gracious  disposition 
of  things,  the  tender  cares  of  an  affectionate  Mothery 
who  hushes  every  noise,  and  excludes  every  disturb- 
ance, where  she  has  laid  the  child  of  her  love  to  rest? 
60,  by  sueh  soothing  circumstances,  and  gentle  working 
opiates,  He  giveth  to  his  beloved  sleep. 

No  sooner  does  the  morning  dawn,  and  day-light  en- 
ter  the  room,  than  this  strange  enchantment  vanishes. 
The  man  awakes,  and  finds  himself  possessed  of  all  the 
valuable  endowments  which  for  several  hours  were  sus- 
pended or  lost.  His  sinews  are  braced,  and  fit  for  action. 
His  senses  are  alert  and  keen.  The  romantic  visionary 
heightens  into  the  master  of  reason,  and  the  frozen  or 
benumbed  affections  melt  into  tenderness,  and  glow  with 
benevolence.  Without  these  enlivening  recruits,  how 
soon  would  the  most  robust  constitution  be  wasted  into 
a  walking  skeleton,  and  the  most  learned  sage  degene- 
rate into  a  hoary  idiot. 

If  sleep  does  not  pay  the  accustomed  visit,  the  whole 
frame  of  man  will  in  a  short  time  be  thrown  into  disor- 
der; his  appetite  ceases,  his  spirits  are  dejected,  and  his 
mind,  abridged  of  its  slumbering  visions,  begin  to  adopt 
waking  dreams.  A  thousand  strange  phantoms  arise, 
which  come  and  go  without  his  will;  these,  which  are 
transient  in  the  beginning,  at  last  take  firm  possession 
of  the  mind,  which  yields  to  their  dominion,  and  after  a 
long  struggle  runs  into  confirmed  madness  or  death. 
But  it  is  happy  for  mankind  that  this  state  of  inquietude 
is  seldom  driven  to  an  extreme.  However,  man  finds  it 
more  difficult  to  procure  sleep  than  any  other  animal, 
and  some  are  obliged  to  court  its  approaches  for  seve- 
ral hours  together,  before  they  incline  to  rest.  It  is  in 
vain  that  all  light  is  excluded,  that  all  sounds  are  re- 


116  On  Hygieine,  or  the  art 

moved,  that  books  of  entertainment  are  read;  the  rest- 
less and  busy  mind  still  retains  its  former  activity,  and 
Reason,  that  wishes  to  lay  down  the  reins,  in  spite  of 
herself,  is  obliged  to  maintain  them.  This  is  strongly 
instanced  by  Shakspeare,  in  the  soliloquy  of  King 
Henry. 

How  many  thousands  of  my  poorest  subjects 
Are  at  this  hour  asleep!  O!  gentle  sleep, 
Nature's  soft  nurse,  how  have  I  frighted  thee, 
That  thou  no  more  wilt  weigh  my  eye-lids  down, 
And  steep  my  senses  in  forgetfulness? 
Why,  rather,  sleeps  ly'st  thou  on  smoky  cribs, 
Upon  uneasy  pallets  stretching  thee, 
And  hush'd  with  buzzing  night-flies  to  thy  slumbers; 
Than  in  the  perfum'd  chambers  of  the  great, 
And  lull'd  with  sounds  of  sweetest  melody? 
O  thou  dull  god,  why  ly'st  thou  with  the  vile 
In  loathsome  beds,  and  leav'st  the  kingly  couch, 
A  watch-case  or  a  common  larum  bell? 
Wilt  thou  upon  the  high  and  giddy  mast 
Seal  up  the  ship-boy's  eyes,  and  rock  his  brains 
In  cradle  of  the  wild  imperious  surge; 
And  in  the  visitation  of  the  winds. 
Who  take  the  ruffian  billows  by  the  top, 
Curling  their  monstrous  heads,  and  hanging  them 
With  deaf 'ning  clamours  in  the  slipp'ry  shrouds, 
That,  with  the  hurly,  death  itself  awakes? 
Canst  thou,  O  partial  sleep!  give  thy  repose 
To  the  wet  sea-boy  in  an  hour  so  rude; 
And,  in  the  calmest,  and  most  stillest  night, 
With  all  appliances  ^nd  means  to  boot, 


of  Preserving  Health.  117 
Deny  it  to  a  King?  Then,  happy  low,  lie  down! 
Uneasy  lies  the  head  that  wears  a  crown. 

Excess  of  sleep  is  not  less  prejudicial  to  health  than 
the  want  of  it.  The  whole  body  sinks  gradually  into  a 
complete  state  of  inactivity,  the  solid  parts  become  re- 
laxed, the  blood  circulates  slowly,  and  remains  particu- 
larly long  in  the  head;  perspiration  is  disordered,  the 
body  increases  in  fat,  and  is  rendered  incapable  of  being 
the  medium  of  mental  exertion,  the  memory  is  enfee- 
bled, and  the  unhappy  sleeper  falls  into  a  lethargic  state, 
by  which  his  sensibility  is,  in  a  great  measure,  de- 
stroyed. 

Sleeps  immediately  after  supper,  is  apt  to  occasion  the 
night  mare,  or  a  stagnation  of  the  blood,  which,  by  its 
pressure,  produces  the  sensation  or  idea  of  this  trou- 
blesome bed-fellow.  It  is  principally  the  nervous,  the 
debilitated,  and  those  of  an  impaired  digestion,  who  are 
visited  by  such  terrific  dreams. 

The  proper  duration  of  sleep,  in  youth  and  adults,  is 
usually  settled  at  six  or  seven  hours;  in  children  and  the 
aged,  from  eight  to  nine  hours.  The  more  bodily  weak- 
ness we  feel,  the  more  we  may  indulge  in  sleep;  pro- 
vided it  be  refreshing.  If  people  in  a  state  of  health  are 
perfectly  cheerful  in  mind  and  body,  when  they  awake, 
this  is  the  most  certain  criterion  that  they  have  slept 
sufficiently.  Though  weakly  persons  may  have  a  dispo- 
sition to  sleep  during  the  day,  they  ought  not  to  sleep 
long,  since  it  tends  to  increase  their  languor  and  relax- 
ation. Whether  to  sleep  after  dinner  be  advisable,  must 
be  decided  by  a  variety  of  concurrent  circumstances; 
age,  climate,  and  the  like.  However,  a  sleep  after  din- 
ner ought  never  to  exceed  a  half,  or  one  hour  at  most; 
and  it  is  also  much  better  sitting  than  lying  horizontally; 
for,  in  the  latter  case,  we  are  subject  to  determinations 
of  the  blood  towards  the  head,  and  consequently  to 
head-ach,  and  risk  apoplexy.  In  the  evening  we  should 
eat  light  food,  and  not  retire  to  rest  till  two  or  three 
hours  after  supper.  The  mind  ought  to  be  serene  and 


118 


On  Hygieine^  or  the  art 


cheerful  previous  to  going  to  rest,  and  we  should  then 
avoid  gloomy  thoughts;  so  that  we  may  as  much  as 
possible  guard  against  dreams,  which  always  interfere 
with  the  refreshing  influences  of  sleep. 

Dreams  are  frequently  suggested  to  lis  by  bodily  sen- 
sations, and  from  what  we  experience  while  awake. — 
Two  persons  who  had  been  hunting  together  in  the  day, 
slept  together  the  following  night.  One  of  them  was  re- 
newing the  pursuit  in  his  dream,  and  having  run  the 
whQle  circle  of  the  chace,  came  at  last  to  the  fall  of  the 
stag.  Upon  this,  he  cried  out,  with  a  determined  ardor, 
/'//  kill  him,  Pll  kill  him:  and  immediately  felt  for  the 
knife  which  he  carried  in  his  pocket.  His  companion 
happening  to  be  awake,  and  observing  what  passed, 
leaped  from  the  bed.  Being  secure  from  danger,  and  the 
moon  shining  bright  into  the  room,  he  stood  to  view  the 
event;  when,  to  his  inexpressible  surprise,  the  infatu- 
ated sportsman  gave  several  deadly  stabs  in  the  very 
place,  where  a  moment  before  the  throat  and  life  of  his 
friend  lay.  This  shows  what  scenes  of  horror  we  might 
commit  amidst  the  mad  sallies  of  sleep,  if  we  were  not 
prevented  by  our  Heavenly  Father,  who  interposes 
in  our  behalf,  and  defends  us  as  with  a  shield. 

Although  it  is  too  great  a  vanity  to  give  over  much 
credit  to  our  dreams,  and  to  distress  and  distract  our- 
selves about  the  signification  and  successes  of  them; 
yet  they  are  not  altogether  unuseful  to  us.  By  dreams 
we  may  often  discover  much  of  our  own  natural  incli- 
nations, and  the  constitution  we  are  oft'.  Besides  this, 
there  hath  been  so  much  of  highest  concernment  re- 
vealed to  some  in  their  sleep,  that  it  is  enough  to  make 
us  believe  there  is  not  altogether  so  much  of  delusion 
in  dreams,  as  some  men  imagine. 

About  three  years  before  the  gospel  was  first  preach- 
ed in  one  of  our  villages,  a  certain  woman  had  the  fol- 
lowing dream;  which  in  the  event,  appears  remarkable. 
She  thought  she  was  walking  up  the  hill  above  the 
town,  near  to  a  barn,  now  a  meeting-house,  when  on  a 


of  Preserving  Health. 


119 


sudden  the  clouds  gathered  darkness,  and  a  dreadful 
storm  of  thunder  and  lightning  came  on.  She  looked 
back  upon  the  village,  and  the  tempest  seemed  still 
more  horrible,  for  the  blackness  of  darkness  seemed  to 
overshadow  it.  Terrified  at  this  dreadful  scene,  she 
thought  she  met  an  acquaintance,  with  a  small  quantity 
of  flax  under  his  arm,  spinning  as  he  passed  along,  to 
whom  she  said,  calling  him  by  name,    Surely,  the  day 
of  judgment  is  come."  He  seemed  but  little  concerned, 
and  only  said,  "  My  thread  is  almost  spun."  The  man 
was  then  in  health,  but  died  in  a  short  time  after.  She 
went  on  till  she  came  opposite  to  the  door  of  the  barn, 
and  thought  a  strange  man  came  out  of  it,  and  perceiv- 
ing her  concern,  offered  her  the  New  Testament,  say- 
ing, "  take,  read,  and  pray  over  this,  and  it  will  teach 
you  the  way  of  salvation."  Immediately  she  thought 
the  clouds  dispersed,  and  the  darkness  disappeared, 
and  all  was  calm  again.  This  dream  made  no  impres- 
sion, except  upon  her  memory;  and,  for  some  time 
after  the  place  was  first  opened  for  worship  there,  she 
seemed  determined  never  to  attend;  but,  on  the  con- 
trary, persecuted  those  who  did;  till  on  a  certain  day, 
she  was  intreated  to  go  ojice,  merely  out  of  curiosity. 
Soon  after  she  was  seated,  the  minister  rose  up  in  the 
pulpit,  and  proved       be  the  person  of  whom  she 
dreamed;  the  remembrance  of  which,  together  with  the 
subject  of  his  discourse,  touched  her  to  the  very  heart, 
and  drew  tears  from  her  eyes.  From  this  time,  the 
Spirit  of  God  seemed  to  work  powerfully  upon  her 
soul,  a  renovating  change  took  place  in  all  her  powers, 
and  having  gone  through  much  persecution,  she  still 
appears  a  striking  monument  of  saving  mercy.  Such  is 
the  power  of  Almighty  grace. 

Astyages,  the  last  king  of  the  Medes,  saw  in  his 
dream,  a  vine  to  spring  forth  from  the  womb  of  his 
only  daughter,  and  at  last  to  flourish  and  spread  it- 
self, so  that  it  seemed  to  overshadow  all  Asia,  with  its 
very  fruitful  branches.  He  consults  with  the  soothsay- 
ers upon  this  dream;  who  answered  him,  "  that  of  his 


120 


On  Hygieiney  or  the  art 


daughter  should  be  born  a  son,  who  should  seize  on 
the  empire  of  Asia,  and  divest  him  of  his  throne."—- 
Terrified  at  this  prediction,  he  forthwith  bestowed  his 
daughter  on  Cambyses,  a  foreigner,  and  then  an  ob- 
scure person.  When  his  daughter  drew  near  to  the 
time  of  her  deliver}^  he  sends  for  her  to  himself,  that 
whatsoever  should  be  born  of  her,  should  perish  by  his 
own  command.  The  infant  therefore  is  delivered  to 
Harpagus  to  be  slain;  a  man  of  known  fidelity,  and 
with  whom  he  had  long  communicated  his  greatest 
secrets.  But  he  fearing  that,  upon  the  death  of  A  sty- 
ages,  Mandane,  his  daughter,  would  succeed  in  the 
empire,  since  the  king  had  no  male  issue,  and  that  then 
he  should  be  sure  to  be  paid  home  for  his  obedience, 
doth  not  kill  the  royal  babe,  but  delivers  it  to  the  king's 
chief  herdsman,  to  be  exposed  to  the  wide  world.  It  fell 
out  that  the  wdfe  of  this  man  was  newly  brought  to  bed; 
and  having  heard  of  the  whole  affair,  she  earnestly  im- 
portunes her  husband  to  bring  the  child  home  to  her 
that  she  might  see  it.  The  husband  is  overcome,  goes 
to  the  wood  where  he  had  left  him;  he  finds  there,  a 
bitch,  that  at  once  saved  the  babe,  and  kept  oft'  the 
beast  and  birds  from  it,  and  also  suckled  it  herself. 
Affected  with  this  miracle,  and  thus  instructed  by  a 
brute  in  humanity,  he  takes  upithe  child,  carries  it  to 
his  wife;  she  sees  and  loves  it:  breeds  him  up,  till  he 
grew  first  to  a  man  and  then  to  a  king.  This  was  the 
great  Cyrus,  who  overcame  Astyages,  his  grandfather, 
and  translated  the  sceptre  from  the  Medes  to  the  Per- 
sians. 

Sleep  accompanied  either  with  talking  or  walking, 
called  somniloquism  and  somnambulism,  is  a  transient 
paroxysm  of  delirium.  When  they  are  induced  by  an 
increase  of  stimuli,  whether  corporeal  or  mental,  blood- 
letting, gende  cathartics,  vegetable  diet,  with  moderate 
exercise,  are  the  best  remedies;  but  when  they  arise 
from  a  diminution  of  customary  stimuli,  a  glass  or  two 
of  wine,  a  draught  of  porter,  or  a  dose  of  laudanum  at 
bed-time,  and  a  change  of  air,  will  generally  succeed. 


of  Preserving  Health. 


121 


A  remarkable  case  of  somniloquism,  or  sleep  with 
ail  ability  to  pray  and  preach  onco  a  day,  is  that  of 
Miss  Rachel  Baker,  of  New  York.  These  quotidian 
paroxysms  as  stated  by  the  ingenious  and  learned  pro- 
fessor Mitchill,  recur  with  wonderful  exactness,  and, 
from  long  prevalence,  are  now  become  habitual.  They 
invade  her  at  early  bed  time,  and  a  fit  lasts  usually 
about  three  quarters  of  an  hour.  A  paroxysm  has  been 
known  to  end  in  thirty-five  minutes,  and  to  continue 
ninety-eight.  It  attacks  her  with  a  sort  of  uneasiness  of 
the  spasmodic  kind,  anxiety  in  respiration,  and  hysteric 
choking.  There  is,  however,  no  chill,  or  even  cold- 
ness. Nothing  like  the  torpor  of  an  ague.  There  is  no 
febrile  excitement,  nor  any  sweating  stage  at  the  close. 
The  transition  from  the  waking  state  to  that  of  sleep 
is  very  quick,  frequendy  in  a  quarter  of  an  hour,  or 
even  less.  After  she  retires  from  company  in  the  par- 
lour, she  is  discovered  to  be  occupied  in  praising  God 
with  a  distinct  and  sonorous  voice. 

She  commences  and  ends  with  an  address  to  the 
throne  of  grace;  consisting  of  the  proper  topics  of  ac- 
knowledgment, submission,  and  reverence;  of  praise 
and  thanksgiving,  and  of  prayer  for  herself,  her  friends, 
the  church,  the  nation,  and  for  enemies,  and  the  human 
race  at  large.  Between  these  is  her  sermon,  or  exhor- 
tation. She  begins  without  a  text,  and  proceeds  in  an 
even  course  to  the  end;  embellishing  it  sometimes  with 
fine  metaphors,  vivid  descriptioas,  and  poetical  quo- 
tations. 

A  trait  in  her  case  pecuHarly  worthy  of  notice,  is  the 
difference  between  her  sentiments  on  certain  subjects 
in  a  state  of  sleep,  and  those  she  entertains  when 
awake.  For  example;  she  maintains  resolutely,  that  she 
is  not  asleep  during  her  paroxysms,  although  it  is  evi- 
dent to  every  bystander  that  she  is  not  awake.  She 
contended,  while  in  New  York,  that  she  was  not  from 
home,  but  at  her  ordanary  residence  in  the  town  of 
Scipio.  So  likewise  she  prays  and  preaches  when  the 
fit  presses  her,  though  her  conviction,  in  her  seasons, 
of  wakefulness,  is,  that  individuals  of  h^  sex  are  pr©- 


122 


On  Hygteirie,  or  the  art 


hibited,  by  apostolic  mandate,  from  acting  as  public 
teachers. 

These  variations  from  the  fact,  in  relation  to  her 
bodily  condition,  to  her  local  situation,  and  to  her  mi- 
nisterial functions,  are  memorable  features  of  the  affec- 
tion under  which  she  labours.  While  subjected  to  this 
peculiar  action,  she  says  that  she  knows  not  whether 
she  is  in  the  body  or  out  of  the  body;  yet  declares  she 
feels  high  enjoyment,  and  benevolent  wishes  that  others 
could  have  the  exquisite  sensations  which  she  experi- 
ences. Nevertheless,  during  her  waking  hours,  she  la- 
ments her  malady  as  a  sore  affliction;  and  considers  it 
as  a  visitation  upon  her  to  punish  her  sins,  or  to  try  her 
constancy  and  virtue. 

The  celebrated  Dr.  Goldsmith,  gives  the  following 
history  of  Cyrillo  Padovano,  the  noted  sleep  walker. 

It  has  often  been  a  question  in  the  schools,  whether 
it  be  preferable  to  be  a  king  by  day,  and  a  beggar  in 
our  dreams  by  night,  or  inverting  the  question,  a  beg- 
gar by  day,  and  a  monarch  while  sleeping?  It  has  been 
usually  decided  that  the  sleeping  monarch  is  the  hap- 
piest man,  since  he  is  supposed  to  enjoy  all  his  hap- 
piness without  contamination;  while  the  monarch  in 
reality  feels  the  various  inconveniencies  that  attend  his 
station.  However  this  may  be,  there  are  none,  sure, 
more  miserable  than  those  who  enjoy  neither  situation 
with  any  degree  of  comfort,  but  feel  all  the  inconveni* 
encies  of  want  and  poverty  by  day,  while  they  find  a  re- 
petition of  their  misery  in  a  dream.  Of  this  kind  was 
the  famous  Cyrillo  Padovano,  of  whom  a  long  life  has 
been  written:  a  man,  if  I  may  so  express  it,  of  a  dou- 
ble character,  who  acted  a  very  different  part  by  night 
from  what  he  professed  in  the  day.  Cyrillo  was  a  na- 
tive of  Padua  in  Italy,  a  little  brown  complexioned  man, 
and,  while  awake,  remarkable  for  his  probity,  piety, 
and  candour;  but  unfortunately  for  him,  his  dreams 
were  of  the  strongest  kind,  and  seemed  to  overturn  the 
whole  system  of  waking  morality;  for  he  every  night 


of  Preserving  Health. 


123 


walked  in  his  sleep,  and  upon  such  occasions  was  a 
thief,  a  robber,  and  plunderer  of  the  dead.  The  first 
remarkable  exploit  we  are  told  of  Cyrillo  was  at  the 
university,  where  he  showed  no  great  marks  of  assi- 
duity. Upon  a  certain  occasion,  his  master  set  him  a 
very  long  and  difficult  exercise,  which  Cyrillo  found  it 
impossible,  as  he  supposed,  to  execute.  Depressed 
with  this  opinion,  and  in  certain  expectation  of  being 
chastised  the  next  day,  he  went  to  bed  quite  dejected 
and  uneasy;  but  awakening  in  the  morning,  to  his  great 
surprise,  he  found  his  exercise  completely  and  perfectly 
finished,  lying  upon  his  table,  and,  still  more  extraor- 
dinary, written  in  his  own  hand.  This  information  he 
communicated  to  his  master  when  he  gave  up  his  task, 
xvho  being  equally  astonished  with  him,  resolved  to  try 
him  the  next  day,  with  a  longer  and  more  difficult  task, 
and  to  watch  him  at  night  when  he  went  to  rest.  Ac- 
cordingly Cyrillo  was  seen  going  to  bed  with  great 
uneasiness,  and  was  soon  heard  to  sleep  profoundly; 
but  this  did  not  continue  long;  for  in  about  an  hour 
after  he  lay  down  he  got  up,  lighted  his  candle,  and 
sat  down  to  study,  where  he  completed  his  task  as 
before. 

A  mind  like  Cyrillo's,  not  naturally  very  strong,  and 
never  at  rest,  began,  when  he  arrived  at  manhood,  to 
become  more  gloomy,  solicitous,  and  desponding.  In 
consequence  of  this  turn  of  thinking,  he  resolved  to 
leave  the  world,  and  turn  Carthusian,  which  is  the 
most  rigorous  of  all  the  religious  orders.  Formed  for 
a  severe  and  abstemious  life,  he  was  here  seen  to  set 
lessons  of  piety  to  the  whole  convent;  and  to  show  that 
he  deserved  the  approbation,  as  well  of  his  fellows  in 
seclusion  as  of  the  whole  order.  But  this  good  fame 
did  not  last  long;  for  it  was  soon  found  that  Cyrillo 
i  walked  by  night,  and,  as  we  are  told  of  the  fabled  Pe- 
nelope, undid  in  his  sleep  all  the  good  actions  for 
which  he  had  been  celebrated  in  the  day.  The  first 
pranks  he  played  were  of  a  light  nature,  very  little 
more  than  running  about  from  chamber  to  chamber, 
and  talking  a  little  more  loosely  than  became  one  oi 


124 


On  Hygieme^  or  the  art 


his  professed  piety.  As  it  is  against  the  rules  of  the  fra- 
ternity to  confine  any  man  by  force  to  his  cell,  he  was 
permitted  in  this  manner  to  walk  about;  and  though 
there  was  nothing  very  edifying  in  his  sleeping  con- 
versation, yet  the  convent  were  content  to  overlook  and 
pity  his  infirmities.  Being  carefully  observed  on  one  of 
those  occasions,  the  following  circumstances  offered. — 
One  evening,  having  fallen  asleep  on  his  chair  in  his 
cell,  he  continued  immoveable  for  about  an  hour;  but 
then  turning  about  in  the  attitude  of  a  listener,  he 
laughed  heartily  at  what  he  thought  he  heard  spoken; 
then  snapping  his  fingers,  to  show  he  did  not  value  the 
speaker,  he  turned  towards  the  next  person,  and  made 
a  sign  with  his  fingers  as  if  he  wanted  snuff.  Not  being 
supplied,  he  seemed  a  little  disconcerted;  and  pulled 
out  his  own  box,  in  which  there  being  nothing,  he 
scraped  the  inside  as  if  to  find  some.  He  next  very 
carefully  put  up  his  box  again,  and  looking  round  him 
with  great  suspicion,  buttoned  up  the  place  of  his  frock 
where  he  kept  it.  In  this  manner  he  continued  for  some 
time  immoveable;  but  without  any  seeming  cause,  flew 
into  a  most  outrageous  passion,  in  which  he  neither 
spared  oaths  nor  execrations,  w^hich  so  astonished  and 
scandalized  his  brother  friars,  that  they  left  him  to  exe- 
crate alone.  But  it  would  have  been  well  if  poor  Cy- 
rillo  had  gone  no  farther,  and  driven  his  sleeping  ex- 
travagances into  guilt.  One  night  he  was  perceived 
going  very  busily  up  to  the  altar,  and  in  a  little  beau- 
fet  beneath,  to  rummage  with  some  degree  of  assiduity. 
It  is  supposed  that  he  wished  to  steal  the  plate  which 
was  usually  deposited  there,  but  which  had  acciden- 
tally  been  sent  off  the  day  before  to  be  cleaned.  Disap- 
pointed in  this,  he  seemed  to  be  extremely  enraged;  but 
not  caring  to  return  to  his  cell  empty-handed,  he  claps 
on  one  of  the  official  silk  vestments;  and  finding  that 
he  could  carry  still  more,  he  put  on  one  or  two  more 
over  each  other;  and  thus  cumbrously  accoutred,  he 
stole  off  with  a  look  of  terror  to  his  cell;  there  hiding 
his  ill- got  finery  beneath  his  mattress,  he  laid  himself 
down  to  continue  his  nap.  Those  who  had  w^ntched 


of  Preserving  Health,  125 


him  during  this  interval,  were  willing  to  see  his  man- 
ner of  behaving  the  morning  after.  When  Cyrillo 
awoke,  he  seemed  at  first  a  good  deal  surprised  at  the 
lump  in  the  middle  of  his  bed;  and  going  to  examine 
the  cause,  was  still  more  astonished  at  the  quantity  of 
vestments  that  were  bundled  there.  He  went  among 
his  fellows  of  the  convent,  and  inquired  how  they  came 
to  be  placed  there;  and  learning  the  mamier  from  them, 
nothing  could  exceed  his  penitence  and  contrition. 

His  last  and  greatest  project  was  considered  of  a  still 
more  heinous  nature.  A  lady,  who  had  long  been  a  be- 
nefactor to  the  convent,  happened  to  die,  was  desirous  of 
being  buried  in  t-ie  cloister,  in  a  vault  which  she  had 
made  for  that  purpose.  It  was  there  that  she  was  laid, 
adorned  with  much  finery,  and  a  part  of  her  own  jewels, 
of  which  she  had  a  great  abundance.  The  solemnity  at- 
tending her  funeral  was  magnificent,  the  expenses  great, 
and  the  sermon  affecting.  In  all  this  pomp  of  griel,  none 
seemed  more  affected  than  Cyrillo,  or  set  an  example  of 
sincerer  mortification.  The  society  considered  the  depo- 
sition  of  their  benefactress  among  them  as  a  very  great 
honour,  and  masses  in  abundance  were  promised  for 
her  safety.  But  what  was  the  amazement  of  the  whole 
convent  the  next  day,  when  they  found  the  vault  in 
which  she-was  deposited,  broke  open,  the  body  mangled; 
her  fingers,  on  which  were  some  rings,  cut  off;  and  all 
her  finery  carried  away!  Every  person  in  the  convent 
was  shocked  at  such  barbarity,  and  Cyrillo  was  one  of 
the  foremost  in  condemning  the  sacrilege.  However, 
shortly  after,  on  going  to  his  cell,  having  occasion  to 
examine  under  the  mattress,  he  there  found  that  he 
alone  was  the  guiltless  plunderer.  The  convent  was  soon 
made  acquainted  with  his  misfortune;  and,  at  the  general 
request  of  the  fraternity,  he  was  removed  to  another 
monastery,  where  the  prior  had  a  power,  by  right,  of 
confining  his  conventicals.  Thus  debarred  from  doing 
mischici;  Cyrillo  led  the  remainder  of  his  life  in  piety 
and  peace. 


126  On  Hygieine^  or  the  art 


The  Feather-beds,  in  which  we  usually  sleep,  arc, 
certainly  not  as  healthy  as  mattresses  in  summer. 

But,  as  many  individuals  have  not  sufficient  resolu- 
tion to  use  these,  they  ought  to  be  particular  in  having 
their  feather-beds  frequently  shaken  and  aired.  Farther, 
it  is  highly  improper  to  sleep  in  beds  overloaded  with 
clothes;  they  heat  the  blood  more  than  is  consistent  with 
health,  and  produce  an  immoderate  and  enervating  per- 
spiration, which  still  more  weakens  the  organs  already 
relaxed  by  sleep.  The  custom  of  sleeping  with  the  cur- 
tains drawn  close,  is  pernicious  to  health,  because  the 
copious  exhalations,  which  then  take  place,  cannot  be 
properly  dissipated,  and  are  consequently  re-absorbed. 
It  is  also  very  imprudent  to  cover  the  head  with  the  bed- 
clothes. The  old  and  abominable  custom  of  warming  the 
bed,  likewise  deserves  to  be  condemned;  as  it  has  a  di- 
rect tendency  to  produce  debility. 

A  spacious  and  lofty  room,  should  always  be  chosen, 
if  practicable,  for  a  bed-chamber,  and  attention  paid  to 
the  admission  of  fresh  air,  even  during  the  night,  in 
warm  weather:  Lastly,  no  candle  or  fire  should  be  kept 
burning  during  the  night  in  a  bed-room. 


OF  EVACUATIONS. 

By  subtle  fluids  pour'd  thro'  subtle  tubes 
The  natural,  vital,  functions  are  perfornn'd; 
By  these  the  stubborn  aliments  are  tam'd. 
The  toiling  heart  distributes  life  and  streng'thi 
These  the  still  crumbling-  frame  rebuild. — 

Armstrong 

The  evacuations  of  the  body,  from  its  superfluous, 
impure,  and  noxious  particles,  are  no  less  necessary  than 
its  nourishment.  The  same  power  which  changes  and 
assimilates  our  food  and  drink,  likewise  effects  the  due 
and  timely  evacuation  of  the  secretions.  It  is  an  object 


of  preserving  Health, 


127 


of  the  first  consequence,  that  nothing  remain  in  the  body 
which  ought  to  be  evacuated;  and  that  nothing  be  eject- 
ed, which  may  be  of  use  to  its  preservation.  How  many 
persons  do  we  find  who  complain  of  bad  heahh,  not- 
withstanding every  attention  they  pay  to  air,  ahment, 
exercise,  and  sleep;  while  others  enjoy  a  good  state  of 
health,  though  totally  careless  with  regard  to  these  par- 
ticulars, and  all  owing  to  a  difference  in  the  state  of 
the  evacuations.  If  these  be  disordered,  the  most  rigor- 
ous observance  of  dietetic  rules  isi  nsufiicient  to  insure 
our  health;  while,  on  the  contrary,  most  of  those  rules 
may  be  neglected,  for  some  time,  without  any  injurious 
consequences,  if  the  evacuations  be  regular.  Nature  re- 
moves not  only  noxious  matter,  or  such  as  is  in  a  state 
of  corruption,  but  likewise  the  useful  fluids,  if  they  be- 
come superabundant;  for  instance,  the  milk,  semen,  and 
blood.  In  such  cases,  therefor^e,  these  must  be  consider- 
ed as  objects  of  evacuation,  equally  natural  and  salu- 
tary. 

Nature  expels  all  crude  and  acrid  substances  by  tho^fe 
three  grand  emunctories,  the  kidneys,  bowels,  and  skin, 
and  accordingly  as  they  are  disordered,  diseases  of  dif- 
ferent degrees  of  malignity  and  duration  will  necessarily 
ensue.  Nature  also  frequently  relieves  herself  by  more 
unusual  channels;  such  are  the  bleeding  of  the  nose,  in 
plethoric  young  men;  the  hemorrhoids,  with  which  per- 
sons of  a  middle  age  are  sometimes  troubled;  the  various 
ulcers  common  to  those  whose  fluids  are  in  an  impure 
state;  the  excretions  of  saliva,  and  the  expectoration  of 
others,  &c.  By  a  premature  suppression  of  these  trou- 
blesome, but  salutary  efforts  of  nature,  great  mischief 
may  be  produced  to  the  individual. 

Many  persons  perspire  much  under  the  arm-pits; 
others  in  the  hands  or  feet;  others  again  are  subject  to 
eruptions  in  the  face,  or  different  parts  of  the  body: 
such  canals,  however,  if  nature  be  once  accustomed  \o 
eject  by  them  certain  ill  humours,  cannot  be  suddenly 
stopped  without  considerable  danger — cleanliness,  in 
the  strictest  sense  of  the  word,  is  almost  the  only  safe 
remedy  to  counteract  their  fatal  effects. 


128 


On  Hygietne^  or  the  art 


OF  THE  PASSIONS. 

Passions,  like  aliments,  though  born  to  fight. 
Yet  mix'cl  and  soflenM,  in  his  work  unite. 
Love,  Hope,  and  Joy,  fair  Pleasure's  smiling"  train^. 
Hate,  Fear,  and  Grief,  the  family  of  Pain; 
These  mix'd  with  art,  and  in  due  bounds  confin'd. 
Make,  and  maintain  the  balance  of  the  mind. 
The  lights  and  shades,  whose  well  accorded  strife. 
Gives  all  tlie  strength  and  colour  of  our  life. 

Pope. 

Passions  are  the  active  forces  of  the  soul:  They  arc 
its  highest  powers,  brought  into  movement  and  exertion. 
Like  wind  and  fire,  which  are  instrumental  in  carrying 
on  many  of  the  beneficent  operations  of  nature,  where 
they  rise  to  undue  violence,  or  deviate  from  their  proper 
course,  their  path  is  marked  with  ruin;  so  are  the  pas- 
sions cither  useful  or  destructive,  according  to  their  di- 
rection and  degree. 


OF  LOVE. 

Where  friendship  full  exerts  her  softest  power. 
Perfect  esteem  enliveiied  by  desire 
Ineffable,  and  sympatliy  of  soul; 
Thout^ht  meeting  thouglit,  and  will  preventing  will, 
With  boundless  conhdence:  for  nought  but  love 
Can  answer  love,  and  render  bliss  secure. 

 -What  is  tl)e  world  to  them. 

Its  pomp,  its  pleasure,  aiid  its  nonsense  all! 
Who  in  each  oHier  clasp  whatever  fair 
High  fancy  forms,  and  lavish  heart  can  wish; 
Something  than  beauty  dearer,  should  they  look 
Or  on  the  mind,  or  mind-illumin'd  face; 
Truth,  goodness,  honour,  harmony,  and  love, 
The  richest  bounty  of  indulgent  heaven, 
Meantime  a  smiling  ofispring  rises  round. 
And  mingles  both  their  graces.  By  degrees, 
The  human  blossom  blows;  and  every  day. 
Soft  as  it  rolls  along,  shows  some  new  charm, 
The  father's  lustre,  and  the  mother's  bloom. 

7'jiOMSoy. 


of  Preserving  Health, 


129 


Love,  the  most  universal  and  grateful  passion  of  the 
heart,  is  not  only  conducive  to  health,  but  contributes 
greatly  to  the  happiness  of  every  society  in  which  it  is 
introduced.  A  warm  and  reciprocal  aflection  between 
two  virtuous  lovers,  may  be  considered  the  sweetest 
charm  of  life.  But  it  is  only  among  the  virtuous  and  no- 
ble spirits  that  you  are  to  look  for  cordial  and  lasting 
love.  This  marriage  of  souls  can  never  exist  long  among 
the  vicious. 

Love  arises  from  a  desire  of  what  is  beautiful  and 
fair,  and  is  defined  to  be  an  action  of  the  mind,  desiring 
that  which  is  good.  No  one  loves  before  he  is  delighted 
with  the  object,  let  it  be  what  it  will,  by  which  means 
it  becomes  pleasing  in  our  eyes,  and  begets  a  value  and 
esteem  in  our  affections.  This  amiable  passion  in  many 
respects  is  very  wonderful  and  unaccountable;  it  is  of 
such  power  in  its  operation;  that  it  has  often  taken  the 
diadem  from  kings  and  queens,  and  made  them  stoop 
to  those  of  obscure  birth  and  mean  fortune.  It  wrests 
the  sword  out  of  the  conqueror's  hand,  and  makes  him 
a  captive  to  his  slave.  It  has  such  a  variety  of  snares  to 
entangle  the  most  wary,  that  few  have  at  one  time  or 
other  escaped  them. 

Eginardus  was  secretary  of  state  to  Charlemagne, 
and  having  placed  his  affections  much  higher  than  his 
condition  admitted,  made  love  to  one  of  his  daughters, 
who,  seeing  this  man  of  a  brave  spirit  and  a  suitable 
grace,  thought  him  not  too  low  for  her,  seeing  merit 
had  so  eminently  raised  him  above  his  birth;  she  loved 
him,  and  gave  him  free  access  to  her,  so  far  as  to  suffer 
him  to  laugh  and  sport  in  her  chamber  on  evenings, 
which  ought  to  have  been  kept  as  a  sanctuary  where  re- 
liques  are  preserved.  It  happened  on  a  winter's  night, 
Eginardus  (ever  hasty  in  his  approaches,  but  negligent 
about  returning)  had  somewhat  too  long  continued  his 
visit;  and  in  the  mean  time  a  snow  had  fallen,  which 
troubled  them  both;  he  feared  to  be  betrayed  by  his 
feet,  and  the  lady  was  unwilling  that  such  prints  should 
be  found  at  her  door.  Being  much  perplexed,  love. 

R 


130 


On  Hygieine^  or  the  art 


which  taketh  the  diadem  of  majesty  from  queens, 
made  her  do  an  act  for  her  lover,  very  unusual  for  the 
daughter  of  one  of  the  greatest  men  upon  earth:  she 
took  the  gentleman  upon  her  shoulders,  and  carried 
him  all  the  length  of  the  court  to  his  chamber,  he 
never  setting  a  foot  to  the  ground,  that  so  the  next 
day  no  impression  might  be  seen  of  his  footing.  It  fell 
out  that  Charlemagne  watched  at  his  study  this  night, 
and  hearing  a  noise,  opened  the  window  and  perceived 
this  pretty  prank,  at  which  he  could  not  tell  whether  he 
were  best  to  be  angry  or  to  laugh.  The  next  day,  in  a 
great  assembly  of  lords,  and  in  the  presence  of  his 
daughter  and  Eginardus,  he  asked  what  punishment 
that  servant  was  worthy  of,  who  made  use  of  a  king's 
daughter  as  of  a  mule,  and  caused  himself  to  be  carried 
on  her  shoulders  in  the  midst  of  winter,  through  nighty 
snow,  and  all  the  sharpness  of  the  season.  Every  one 
gave  his  opinion,  and  not  one  but  condemned  that  inso- 
lent man  to  death.  The  princess  and  secretary  changed 
colour,  thinking  nothing  remained  for  them  but  to  be 
flayed  alive.  But  the  emperor  looking  on  his  secretary 
with  a  smooth  brow,  said,  "  Eginardus,  hadst  thou  loved 
the  princess  my  daughter,  thou  oughtest  to  have  come 
to  her  father,  the  disposer  of  her  liberty;  thou  art  wor- 
thy of  death,  but  I  give  thee  two  lives  at  present;  take 
thy  fair  portress  in  marriage,  fear  God,  and  love  one 
another." 

Though  the  female  be  the  weaker  sex,  yet  some  have 
so  repaid  the  weakness  of  their  nature  by  an  incredible 
strength  of  affection,  that  they  have  oftentimes  perform- 
ed as  great  things  as  we  could  expect  from  the  courage 
and  constancy  of  the  most  generous  amongst  men. — 
They  have  despised  death,  let  it  appear  to  them  in  what 
shape  it  would;  and  made  all  sorts  of  difficulties  give 
way  before  the  force  of  that  invincible  love,  which 
seemed  proud  to  show  itself  most  strong,  in  the  greatest 
extremity  of  their  husbands. 

Arria,  the  wife  of  Cecinna  Pastus,  understanding  that 
her  husband  was  condemned  to  die,  and  that  he  was 


of  Preserving  Health, 


131 


permitted  to  choose  the  manner  of  his  death,  went  to 
him,  and  having  exhorted  him  to  depart  this  life  cou- 
rageously, and  bidding  him  farewell,  gave  herself  a  stab 
into  the  breast  with  a  knife,  she  had  hid  for  that  purpose 
under  her  clothes;  then  drawing  the  knife  out  of  the 
wound,  and  reaching  it  to  Pastus,  she  said,  Vulnus 
quod  feci,  Paste,  non  dolet,  sed  quod  tu  facies:"  The 
wound  I  have  ^lade,  Pectus,  smarts  not;  hut  that  only 
which  thou  art  about  to  give  thyself,'*''  Whereupon  Mar- 
tial wrote  the  following  epigram: 

When  Arria  to  her  husband  gave  the  knife, 
Which  made  the  wound  whereby  she  lost  her  life, 
"  This  wound,  dear  Paetus,  grieves  me  not,"  quoth  she, 
"  But  that  which  thou  must  give  thyself  grieves  me." 

But  speaking  of  the  charm  and  force  of  virtuous  love, 
our  thoughts  naturally  turn  to  that  brilliant  display  of  it 
exhibited  by  lady  Ackland. 

Lady  Harriet  Ackland  had  accompanied  her  husband 
to  Canada  in  the  beginning  of  the  year  1776.  In  the 
course  of  that  campaign  she  had  traversed  a  vast  extent 
of  country,  in  different  extremities  of  season,  and  with 
difficulties  that  an  European  traveller  will  not  easily 
conceive,  to  attend,  in  a  poor  hut  at  Chamblu,  upon  his 
sick  bed.  In  the  opening  of  the  campaign  of  1777,  she 
was  restrained  from  offering  herself  to  share  the  fatigue 
and  hazard  expected  before  Ticonderoga,  by  the  posi- 
tive injunctions  of  her  husband.  The  day  after  the  con- 
quest of  that  place,  he  was  badly  wounded;  and  she 
crossed  the  Lake  Champlain  to  join  him.  As  soon  as 
he  recovered,  lady  Harriet  proceeded  to  follow  his  for- 
tunes through  the  campaign;  and  at  Fort  Edward,  or  at 
the  next  camp,  she  acquired  a  two- wheel  tumbril,  which 
had  been  constructed  by  the  artificers  of  the  artillery, 
something  similar  to  the  carriage  used  for  the  mail  upon 
the  great  roads  of  England.  Major  Ackland  commanded 
the  British  grenadiers,  which  were  attached  to  general 


On  Hygieine,  or  the  art 


Fraser's  corps;  and  consequently  were  always  the  most 
advanced  part  of  the  army.  Their  situations  were  often 
so  alert,  that  no  person  slept  out  of  his  clothes.  In  one 
of  these  predicaments,  a  tent,  in  which  the  major  and 
lady  Harriet  were  asleep,  suddenly  took  fire.  An  orderly 
Serjeant  of  grenadiers,  with  great  hazard  of  suffocation, 
dragged  out  the  first  person  he  caught  hold  of.  It  proved 
to  be  the  major.  It  happened,  that  in  the  same  instant, 
lady  Harriet,  unknowing  what  she  did,  and  perhaps  not 
perfectly  awake,  providentially  made  her  escape,  by 
creeping  under  the  walls  of  the  back  part  of  the  tent. 
The  first  object  she  saw,  upon  the  recovery  of  her 
senses,  was  the  major  on  the  other  side,  and  in  the  same 
instant  again  in  the  fire  in  search  of  her.  The  serjeant 
again  saved  him,  but  not  without  his  being  very  severely 
burned  in  his  face  and  different  parts  of  the  body.  Every 
thing  they  had  with  them  in  the  tent  was  consumed. 
This  accident  happened  a  little  time  before  the  army 
passed  the  Hudson  River.  It  neither  altered  the  reso- 
lution nor  the  cheerfulness  of  lady  Harriet;  and  she  con- 
tinued her  progress,  a  partaker  of  the  fatigues  of  the 
advanced  corps.  The  next  call  upon  her  fortitude  was 
of  a  different  nature,  and  more  distressful,  as  of  longer 
suspense.  On  the  march  of  the  13th,  the  grenadiers  be- 
ing liable  to  action  at  every  step,  she  had  been  directed 
by  the  major  to  follow  the  route  of  the  artillery  and 
baggage,  which  was  not  exposed.  At  the  time  the  ac- 
tion began,  she  found  herself  near  a  small  uninhabited 
hut,  where  she  alighted.  When  the  engagement  was 
becoming  general  and  bloody,  the  surgeons  of  the  hos- 
pital took  possession  of  the  same  place,  as  the  most 
convenient  for  the  first  care  of  the  wounded.  Thus  was 
this  lady  in  hearing  of  one  continued  fire  of  cannon  and 
musketry  for  four  hours  together,  vv^ith  the  presumption, 
from  the  post  of  her  husband  at  the  head  of  the  grena- 
diers, that  he  was  in  the  most  exposed  part.  She  had 
three  female  companions,  the  baroness  of  Reidesel  and 
the  wives  of  two  British  officers,  major  Harnage,  and 
lieutenant  Reynell;  but  in  the  event,  their  presence  serv- 
ed little  for  comfort.  Major  Harnage  was  soon  brought 


of  Preserving  Health. 


133 


to  the  surgeons,  very  badly  wounded;  and,  a  little  time 
after  came  intelligence  that  lieutenant  Reynell  was  shot 
dead.  Imagination  will  want  no  help  to  figure  the  state 
of  the  whole  group.  From  this  time  to  the  7th  of  Oc- 
tober,  lady  Harriet,  with  her  usual  serenity,  stood  pre- 
pared for  new  trials;  and  it  was  her  lot  that  their  severity 
increased  with  their  numbers.  She  was  again  exposed 
to  the  hearing  of  the  whole  action,  and,  at  last,  received 
the  shock  of  her  individual  misfortune  mixed  with  the 
intelligence  of  the  general  calamity;  the  troops  were  de- 
feated, and  major  Ackland,  desperately  wounded,  was 
taken  prisoner.  The  day  of  the  8th  was  passed  by  lady 
Harriet  and  her  companions  in  common  anxiety;  not  a 
tent  nor  a  shed  being  standing,  except  what  belonged 
to  the  hospital,  their  refuge  was  among  the  wounded  and 
dying.  When  the  army  was  upon  the  point  of  moving, 
after  the  halt  described,  Ijreceived,  says  the  officer  who 
has  recorded  the  events,  a  message  from  lady  Harriet, 
submitting  to  my  decision  a  proposal  (and  expressing 
an  earnest  solicitude  to  execute  it,  if  not  interfering  with 
my  designs)  of  passing  to  the  camp  of  the  enemy,  and 
requesting  general  Gates'  permission  to  attend  her  hus- 
band. Though  I  was  ready  to  believe  (for  I  had  expe- 
rienced) that  patience  and  fortitude,  in  a  supreme  degree, 
were  to  be  found,  as  well  as  every  other  virtue,  under 
the  most  tender  forms,  I  was  astonished  at  this  proposal. 
After  so  long  an  agitation  of  the  spirits,  exhausted  not 
only  for  want  of  rest,  but  absolutely  want  of  food,  drench- 
ed in  rains  for  twelve  hours  together,  that  a  woman 
should  be  capable  of  such  an  undertaking,  as  delivering 
herself  to  the  enemy,  probably  in  the  night,  and  uncer- 
tain of  what  hands  she  might  first  fall  into,  appeared  an 
effort  above  human  nature.  The  assistance  I  was  enabled 
to  give  was  small  indeed;  I  had  not  even  a  cup  of  wine 
to  offer  her;  but  I  was  told  she  had  found  from  some 
kind  and  fortunate  hand,  a  little  rum  and  dirty  water. 
All  I  could  furnish  to  her  was  an  open  boat,  and  a  fev/ 
lines,  written  upon  dirty  paper,  to  general  Gates,  recom- 
mending her  to  his  protection.  Mr.  Brudnell,  chaplain  to 
the  artillery,  readily  undertook  to  accompany  her;  and 


134       -  On  Hygieiney  or  the  art 

with  one  female  servant,  and  the  major's  valct-de-cham- 
bre,  (who  had  a  ball  which  he  had  received  in  the  last 
action  then  in  his  shoulder,)  she  rowed  down  the  river 
to  meet  the  enemy;  but  her  distresses  were  not  yet  at 
an  end.  The  night  was  advanced  before  the  boat  reach- 
ed the  enemy's  out-posts;  and  the  sentinel  would  not  let 
it  pass,  nor  even  come  on  shore.  In  vain  Mr.  Brudnell 
offered  the  flag  of  truce,  and  represented  the  state  of  the 
extraordinary  passenger.  The  guard,  apprehensive  of 
treachery,  and  punctilious  to  their  orders,  threatened  to 
fire  into  the  boat  if  it  stirred  before  day- light.  Her  anx- 
iety and  suffering  were  thus  protracted  through  seven 
or  eight  dark  and  cold  hours,  and  her  reflections  upon 
that  first  reception  could  not  give  her  very  encourag- 
ing ideas  of  the  treatment  she  was  afterwards  to  expect. 
But  it  is  due  to  justice  to  say,  that  she  was  received  and 
accommodated  by  general  Gates  with  all  the  humanity 
and  respect  that  her  rank,  her  merit,  and  fortune  de- 
served. 

Happy  they!  the  happiest  of  their  kind, 

Whom  gentler  stars  unite,  and  in  one  fate 

Their  hearts,  their  fortunes,  and  their  beings  blend. 

'Tis  not  the  coarser  tie  of  human  laws 

Unnat'ral  oft,  and  foreign  to  the  mind, 

That  binds  their  peace,  but  harmony  itself 

Attuning  all  their  passions  into  Love. 

Thomson. 

"  It  is  this,"  says  Lavater,  which  has  sweetened 
every  bitter  of  my  life;  this  has  alone  supported  me, 
when  the  sorrows  of  a  wounded  heart  wanted  vent. — 
When  my  best  endeavours  were  rejected,  when  the  sa- 
cred impulse  of  conscious  truth  was  ridiculed,  hissed  at 
and  despised,  the  tear  of  sorrow  was  ever  wiped  away 
by  the  gentle,  tender,  and  affectionate  address  of  a  fe- 
male mind,  wlio  has  an  aspect  like  that  of  unpractised 
virginity,  which  felt,  and  was  able  to  efface  each  emo- 


of  Preserving  Health,  135 


tion,  each  passion  in  the  most  concealed  feature  of  her 
husband's  countenance,  and  by  endearing  means,  with- 
out what  the  world  would  call  beauty,  always  shone 
forth  in  countenance  heavenly  as  an  angel." 

Serene  in  virgin  modesty  she  shines, 
And  unobserved  the  glorious  orb  declines. 
Oh  blest  with  temper,  whose  unclouded  ray 
Can  make  to-morrow  cheerful  as  to-day: 
She  who  ne'er  answers  till  a  husband  cools, 
Or  if  she  rules  him,  never  shows  she  rules; 
Charms  by  accepting,  by  submitting  sways, 
Yet  has  her  humour  most,  when  she  obeys. 

Pope. 

How  delightful  that  sentiment,  which,  even  in  advan- 
ced life,  inspires  a  passion  perhaps  more  profound  than 
it  excites  even  in  youth;  a  passion  which  collects  into 
the  soul  all  that  time  has  robbed  from  the  senses,  and 
stripping  life,  in  its  last  stages,  of  all  gloom,  unsociabi- 
lity and  indifference,  secures  us  the  happiness  of  meet- 
ing death  in  those  arms  which  sustained  our  youth,  and 
entwined  us  in  the  ardent  embraces  of.  love. 

O  the  sweet  powerful  influences  of  love!  It  is  this 
that  unites  the  interests  as  well  as  the  hearts  of  lovers, 
and  gives  to  each  the  joys  and  felicities  of  the  other. — 
And  it  is  this  which  induces  the  delicate  lady  to  forget 
better  days,  and  to  smile  in  poverty,  and  toil  with  the 
husband  whom  she  loves.  What  charm  then  under 
Heaven  can  excel  this  noble  passion?  No  pleasures 
are  comparable  to  those  that  affect  the  heart,  and  there 
are  none  that  aifect  it  with  such  exquisite  delight,  as 
loving  and  being  beloved  by  a  worthy  object.  Ask  the 
husband  who  is  blest  with  an  amiable  wife,  and  he  will 
tell  you  that  the  most  delicious  feeling  his  heart  ever  ex- 
perienced were  those  of  virtuous  love. 


136  On  Hygieine,  or  the  art 

Go  gentle  gales  and  bear  my  sighs  along! 
The  birds  shall  cease  to  tune  their  evening  song; 
The  winds  to  breathe,  the  waving  woods  to  move, 
And  streams  to  murmur,  ere  I  cease  to  love. 

Pope. 

Love  is  a  vice  only  in  vicious  hearts.  Fire,  though  the 
purest  of  all  substances,  will  yet  emit  unwholesome  and 
noxious  vapours  when  it  is  fed  by  tainted  matter;  so 
love,  if  it  grows  in  a  vicious  mind,  produces  nothing 
but  shameful  desires  and  criminal  designs,  and  is  follow- 
ed with  pain,  vexation  and  misery.  But  let  it  rise  in  an 
upright  heart,  and  be  kindled  by  an  object  adorned 
with  virtue,  it  is  safe  from  censure. 

Sweet  is  the  breath  of  morn,  her  rising  sweet, 
With  charm  of  earliest  birds;  pleasant  the  sun 
When  first  on  this  delightful  land  he  spreads 
His  orient  beams,  on  herb,  tree,  fruit  and  flovv'r, 
Glist'ning  with  dew;  fragrant  the  fertile  earth 
After  soft  showers;  and  sweet  the  coming  on 
Of  grateful  evening  mild:  then  silent  night 
With  this  her  solemn  bird;  and  this  fair  morn, 
And  these  the  gems  of  heav'n,  her  starry  train. 
But  neither  breath  of  morn,  when  she  ascends 
With  charm  of  earliest  birds;  nor  herb,  fruit,  flow'r 
Glist'ning  with  dew;  nor  fragrance  after  show'rs; 
Nor  grateful  evening  mild;  nor  silent  night 
With  this  her  solemn  bird;  nor  walk  by  moon 
Or  glittermg  star-light,  xvithout  thee  is  sweet, 

MiLTOX. 


of  Preserving  Health, 


137 


In  propitious  love  the  heart  beats  with  joy;  vivacity 
cheers  the  countenance,  the  eye  is  brilliant,  society  is 
courted,  and  all  the  benevolent  affections  are  indulged. 
But  disappointed  love,  on  the  other  hand,  is  extremely 
detrimental.  It  depresses  the  spirits,  enfeebles  digestion, 
takes  away  the  appetite,  banishes  sleep,  and  not  unfre- 
quently  produces  insanity.  History  aiTords  many  in- 
stances of  mental  derangement  from  disappointed  love. 
The  following  affecting  cases  deserve  to  be  mentioned. 

A  German  lady  of  great  beauty  and  accomplishments, 
having  married  a  Hessian  officer  who  was  ordered  to 
America,  and  not  being  able  to  acquire  any  tidings  of 
him  in  her  own  country,  came  over  to  England,  Here, 
she  could  only  learn  the  destiny  of  her  husband  from 
those  ships  which  had  either  transported  troops  to  the 
continent,  or  were  bringing  back  the  wounded.  Day 
after  day  she  wandered  on  the  beach  at  Portsmouth,  and 
hour  after  hour  she  wearied  her  eyes,  bedewed  with 
tears,  in  the  vain  expectation  of  seeing  him.  She  was 
observed  at  the  same  spot,  ere  it  was  light,  and  watched 
each  motion  of  the  waves  until  the  setting  sun. — Then 
her  haunted  imagination  presented  him  mangled  with 
wounds,  and  the  smallest  gust  of  wind  seemed  to  threat- 
en her  with  an  eternal  separation.  After  eight  months 
spent  in  this  anxious  manner,  she  received  the  melan- 
choly pleasure,  that  a  vessel  bringing  some  wounded 
^  Hessian  officers  was  arrived.  She  kept  at  some  distance, 
for  fear  of  giving  too  great  a  shock  to  her  husband's 
feelings,  should  he  be  among  them.  He  was  landed  with 
others:  she  followed  to  the  tavern. — When  she  entered 
the  room,  he  burst  into  a  flood  of  tears.  A  lady  was  sup- 
porting him  in  her  arms.  What  words  or  painter  could 
represent  the  tragedy  that  followed?  He  had  married  in 
America,  and  this  person  was  also  his  wife.  He  entreated 
for  ^'■pardon'''' — was  past  reproach,  for  in  a  few  minutes 
after  he  sunk  into  the  arms  of  death.  The  lady,  whose 
melancholy  history  we  are  recording,  rushed  from  the 
room,  and  leaving  her  clothes  and  money  at  her  lodging, 
she  wandered,  she  knew  not  whither,  vowing,    that  she 


138 


On  HygieinCy  or  the  art 


would  never  enter  house  more,  or  trust  man,"  She 
stopped  at  last  near  Bristol,  and  begged  the  refreshment 
of  a  little  milk.  There  was  something  so  attractive  in 
her  whole  appearance,  as  soon  produced  her  whatever 
she  requested.  She  was  young,  and  extremely  beautiful; 
her  manners  graceful  and  elegant,  and  her  countenance 
interesting  to  the  last  degree.  She  was  alone,  a  stranger, 
and  in  extreme  distress;  she  asked  only  for  a  little  milkj, 
but  uttered  no  complaint,  and  used  no  art  to  excite  com- 
passion. Her  dress  and  accent  bore  visible  marks  that 
she  was  a  foreigner  of  superior  birth.  All  the  day  she 
was  seen  wandering  in  search  of  a  place  to  lay  her 
wretched  head;  she  scooped  towards  night  a  lodging  for 
herself  in  an  old  hay  stack.  Multitudes  soon  flocked 
around  her,  in  this  new  habitation,  attracted  by  the  nov- 
elty of  the  circumstance,  her  singular  beauty,  but,  above 
all,  the  suddenness  of  her  arrival.  French  and  Italian 
were  spoken  to  her,  but  she  appeared  not  to  understand 
these  languages;  however,  when  she  was  accosted  in 
German,  she  evidently  appeared  confused;  the  emotion 
was  too  great  to  be  suppressed,  she  uttered  some  faint 
exclamations  in  our  tongue,  and  then,  as  if  hurried  into 
an  imprudence,  she  attempted  to  be  also  without  know- 
ledge of  this  language.  Various  conjectures  were  in- 
stantly formed,  but  what  seemed  passing  strange,  was, 
her  acceptance  of  no  food,  except  bread  or  milk,  and 
that  only  from  the  hands  of  females.  On  the  men  she 
looked  with  anger  and  disdain,  but  sweedy  smiled,  as 
she  accepted  any  present  from  the  other  sex.  The  neigh- 
bouring ladies  remonstrated  with  her  on  the  danger  of 
$0  exposed  a  situation,  but  in  vain;  for  neither  prayers 
nor  menaces  could  induce  her  to  sleep  in  a  house. 

Beneath  a  stack  Louisa's  dwelling  rose, 
Here  the  fair  maniac  bore  four  winter's  snows; 
Here  long  she  shiver'd,  stifF'ning  in  the  blast, 
And  lightnings  round  her  head  their  horrors  cast, 
Disheveird,  lo!  her  beauteous  tresses  fly, 
And  the  wild  glance  now  fills  the  staring  eye, 


of  Preserving  Health. 


139 


The  balls  fierce  glaring  in  their  orbits  move, 
Bright  spheres,  where  beam'd  the  sparkling  fires  of 
love. 

It  may  gratify  the  reader  to  learn,  that  it  has  beeri 
ascertained  since  her  death,  that  this  fair  sufferer  was 
the  natural  daughter  of  the  Emperor  Francis  of  Ger- 
many. 

In  W  ,  a  small  village  in  Saxony,  there  lived  a 

poor,  but  honest  and  upright  curate,  who  for  many  years 
had  enjoyed,  without  alloy,  the  tranquil  pleasures  of 
domestic  happiness.  He  had  a  wife,  and  an  only  child, 
a  daughter.  Content  in  the  sphere  wherein  they  were 
placed,  and  unacquainted  with  the  turbulent  passions. of 
the  fashionable  world,  their  days  flowed  quietly  on  in 
an  uniform  course  of  undisturbed  felicity.  The  mother 
and  daughter  took  a  joint  care  of  all  the  domestic  con- 
cerns, and  strove,  by  every  act  of  attention  and  love,  to 
diminish  the  burthen  which  the  duties  of  the  good  old 
man  imposed  on  him.  Harriet,  this  was  the  name  of  his 
daughter,  was,  in  the  strict  sense  of  the  word,  the  child 
after  his  own  heart.  He  was  unhappy  if  she  was  absent 
even  for  a  few  hours;  she  was,  therefore,  his  constant 
attendant.  She  was  about  eighteen  years  old,  but  had  not 
yet  experienced  the  inquietudes  of  that  passion,  which 
often  exhibits  itself  in  very  early  life  in  the  great  world, 
and  her  principles  and  mode  of  thinking  were  too  noble 
and  good  to  inspire  her  parents  with  even  the  slightest 
apprehensions  as  to  the  wanderings  of  her  heart.  But 
hear  her  history.  Far  different  from  the  condition  of  the 
Americans^  the  Saxons  are  obliged,  in  time  of  peace,  to 
receive  the  king's  cavalry,  which  are  quartered  in  differ- 
ent villages,  where  it  is  maintained  at  the  expense  of  the 
poor  peasantry.  Most  of  the  soldiers  are  riotous  young 
men,  who,  by  virtue  of  their  profession  and  uniform, 
obtain  entrance  into  the  houses  of  all  the  peasantry,  and 
even  of  the  curates,  to  the  great  corruption  of  the  inno- 
cent and  virtuous  manners  of  the  country  people.  One 
of  them,  a  handsome,  but  giddy  young  man,  was  quar- 
teerd  at  W  ,  where  he  soon  made  the  acquaintance 


140 


On  Hygiehie^  or  the  art 


of  the  good  old  parson.  The  young  soldier  had  more 
culture  of  mind  than  is  usually  met  with  in  such  a  class 
of  men.  He  pleased  the  curate,  who  often  invited  him 
to  the  parsonage,  and  listened  with  pleasure  to  the  his- 
tories of  his  battles,  and  warlike  achievements. 

The  tender-hearted  Harriet  found  great  entertain- 
ment in  the  company  of  the  young  warrior,  and  like 
Othello's  mistress,  the  story  of  his  life,  the  battles^ 
sieges,  fortunes  that  he  had  passed,  the  hair -breadth 
^scapes,  the  moving  accidents  by  flood  and  fields  won  her 
heart.  Love  had^aken  possession  of  her  bosom,  before 
she  was  aware  of  its  approach.  She  blushed  when  he 
took  her  by  the  hand,  and  was  unhappy  when  he  left 
lier.  The  soldier  could  not  resist  the  beautiful  girl,  for 
his  heart  was  formed  for  love;  they  therefore  soon  came 
to  an  explanation  of  their  mutual  passion,  which,  for 
the  present,  they  agreed  to  conceal  from  their  parents, 
for  fear  that  prudential  motives  would  cause  them  to 
oppose  it.  They  bound  themselves  to  each  other,  how- 
ever, by  an  oath,  which,  at  the  same  time  that  it  showed 
the  strength  of  their  aftcction,  exhibited  the  most  ro- 
mantic turn  of  mind.  They  promised  to  marry  as  soon 
as  he  could  attain  the  rank  of  serjeant- major,  and  agreed 
that  the  one  should  destroy  the  other,  who  first  failed  in 
the  engagement.  Thus  matters  stood,  when,  contrary 
to  the  wishes  of  the  lovers,  a  lawyer  from  a  neighbour- 
ing tov/n  applied  to  the  father  of  Harriet  for  the  hand 
of  his  daughter.  He  was  well  received,  and  his  views 
promoted  by  the  old  people;  but  when  his  intention  was 
declared  to  the  unfortunate  girl,  she  fell  into  the  arms 
of  her  father,  as  if  struck  with  lightning,  and,  on  her 
recovery,  wept  bitterly,  entreating  them  not  to  encou- 
rage the  addresses  of  this  new  lover.  Her  parents,  being 
ignorant  of  the  true  cause  of  her  aversion,  thought 
that  time  would  soon  overcome  it,  and  therefore  gave 
their  solemn  promise  to  the  lawyer  to  second  his  wishes. 
Harriet,  however,  resisted  every  argument,  and  re- 
mained true  to  her  promise;  but  her  parents  at  last 
growing  tired  of  her  opposition,  determined  to  employ 
their  authority,  which  at  last  prevailed.  The  young  sol. 


of  Preserving  Health. 


141 


dier  soon  received  the  intelligence,  and  instantly  formed 
this  desperate  resolution,  for  without  his  lovely  Harriet 
he  could  not  live.  A  short  time  before  the  marriage-day, 

a  dance  was  given  in  W  ,  in  honour  of  the  pair. 

To  this  he  resorted,  unable  any  longer  to  resist  the  de- 
sire of  seeing  once  more  his  beloved.  He  concealed 
himself  among  the  spectators  until  he  saw  her  dance; 
this  roused  him  to  a  state  of  fury;  he  ran  home,  took  a 
pair  of  loaded  pistols,  and  waited  until  the  party  broke 
up.  It  was  a  dark  night,  but  he  discerned  the  unhappy 
bride  intended,  and  her  bridegroom,  walking  hand  in 
hand.  He  stepped  up  to  her,  and  in  a  lo^v  voice,  re- 
quested that  she  would  indulge  him  with  a  moment's 
conversation.  She  disengaged  her  arm  from  that  of  the 
lawyer,  intreated  him  to  walk  on,  assuring  him  she  would 
immediately  return:  but,  alas!  she  was  to  return  no 
more!  A  pistol  was  heard,  and  when  her  trembling 
friends  reached  the  place,  they  found  her  weltering  in 
blood,  zX  the  feet  of  her  murderer.  ^'  Now  art  thou  mine 
again,"  cried  the  soldier,  in  tones  of  horrid  jov,  and  fled, 
but  not  to  escape.  He  delivered  himself  to  the  ofl[icers 
of  justice,  and  begged  to  be  instantly  executed,  which 
event,  indeed,  scon  followed. 

Learn  parents,  from  this  story,  the  danger  of  inter- 
fering with  your  children's  affections  in  so  serious  an 
affair  as  marriage:  for  as  Shakspeare  observes: 

Marriage  is  sure  a  matter  of  more  worth 
Than  to  be  subject  for  attorneyship; 
For  what  is  wedlock  forced,  but  a  hell, 
An  age  of  discord  and  continual  strife? 
Whereas  the  contrary  bringeth  forth  bliss, 
And  is  a  pattern  of  celestial  peace. 

The  most  dangerous  effects  of  love  is  jealousy;  that 
passion,  in  its  nature  terrible,  even  when  it  is  not  ex- 
cited by  love,  renders  the  soul  frantic,  when  all  the  af- 
fections of  the  heart  are  combined  with  the  most  acute 
sentiments  of  self4ove.  Love  is  not  the  only  ingredient 


142 


On  Ifygieine,  or  the  art 


of  jealousy,  as  it  is  of  the  regret  we  feel  when  we  ceased 
to  be  loved.  Jealousy  inspires  the  thirst  of  vengeance; 
regret  inspires  only  the  wish  to  die!  Jealousy  is  a  more 
painful  situation,  because  it  is  composed  of  conflicting 
sensations,  and  because  it  is  discontented  with  itself.  It 
repents  of  the  past;  it  preys  upon  itself;  and  the  pain 
it  occasions,  is  supportable  only  when  it  sinks  into 
melancholy. 

Bonaventur,  sitting  at  a  table,  and  looking  earnestly 
upon  a  beautiful  woman  there  present,  was  asked  by  her 
husband,  why  he  so  gazed?  He  answered,  That  he 
admired  the  excellency  of  the  Creator  by  contemplating 
the  beauty  of  the  creature;  and  that  if  mortals  were  so 
amiable,  how  lovely  should  we  be  at  the  resurrection.'* 
This  was  an  example,  saith  Boschier,  that  was  rather  to 
be  admired  than  imitated;  suitable  to  the  golden  age, 
and  not  this  present  iron  age  of  the  world,  wherein  jea- 
lousy may  be  compared  to  the  Indian  arrows,  so  enven- 
omed, that  if  they  prick  the  skin  it  is  very  dangerous, 
but  if  they  draw  blood,  it  is  irrecoverably  death:  the  first 
motions  that  rise  from  this  root  of  bitterness  have  their 
evil  effects;  but  where  the  disease  is  improved,  it  em- 
poisons all  our  comforts,  and  throws  us  headlong  into 
the  most  tragical  resolutions. 

Hippocrates,  the  father  of  medicine,  had  a  smack  of 
this  disease;  for  when  he  visited  Abdera,  and  some  other 
remote  cities  of  Greece,  he  wrote  to  his  friend  Diony- 
sius  to  oversee  his  wife  in  his  absence,  although  she 
lived  in  his  house  with  her  father  and  mother,  who,  he 
knew  would  have  a  care  of  her;  yet  that  would  not  sa- 
tisfy his  jealousy,  he  would  have  his  especial  friend  Dio- 
nysius  to  dwell  in  his  house  with  her  all  the  time  of  his 
peregrination,  and  to  observe  her  behaviour,  how  she 
carried  herself  in  her  husband's  absence;  for  a  woman 
had  need  to  have  an  overseer,"  saith  he,  "  to  keep  her 
honest;  they  are  bad  by  nature,  and  lightly  given,  and  if 
not  curbed  in  time,  as  an  unpruned  tree,  they  will  be 
full  of  wild  branches." 


vf  Preserving  Health, 


143 


A  rich  man  of  Basil  fell  into  a  cruel  jealousy  of  his 
wife,  a  virtuous  person,  upon  this  slight  occasion:  he 
had  thrown  off  a  pair  of  silk  garters,  because  they  were 
g^^own  old,  and,  as  he  thought,  no  longer  fit  for  his  wear: 
his  wife  took  them  up,  and  in  his  presence  gave  them 
to  a  servant  who  chanced  then  to  be  present.  The  ser- 
vant thankfully  received  them,  and  fitted  them  to  his 
legs.  Upon  which  the  jealous  husband  thought  all  that 
was  ill  of  his  wife,  and  the  devil  increasing  his  unjust 
suspicion,  upon  a  Sunday,  while  the  rest  of  his  family 
were  at  church,  he  rushes  upon  his  wife  with  his  drawn 
sword,  accuses  her  of  adultery,  and,  without  hearing 
her  reply,  immediately  slew  her.  The  murder  was  scarce 
committed,  when,  repenting  of  what  he  had  done,  he  was 
seized  with  such  extremity  of  sorrow,  that  he  grew 
weary  of  his  life.  He  therefore  wrote  down,  *'  that  by 
the  instigation  of  Satan,  moved  w'ith  false  suspicions, 
he  had  murdered  his  innocent  wife;"  and,  having  tied 
this  note  to  Lis  left  arm,  he  threw  himself  headlong  from 
the  top  of  his  house  into  the  street,  by  which  fall  he  died. 

The  Marquis  of  Astorgas,  of  the  family  of  Osorio,' 
indulged  himself  in  an  illicit  intercourse  with  a  most 
beautiful  young  woman.  His  wife,  on  being  informed 
of  his  intrigue,  went  immediately  to  the  house  where 
her  husband's  mistress  lived,  and  murdered  her  in  the 
most  cruel  manner.  She  tore  her  heart  from  her  bosom, 
and  took  it  home,  ordered  it  to  be  hashed  and  served  up 
to  her  husband  for  dinner. 

After  he  had  eaten  of  it,  she  asked  him  if  it  was 
good?  and,  on  his  answering  yes,  she  said,  she  was  not 
in  the  least  surprised,  for  it  was  the  heart  of  his  mistress, 
whom  he  so  dearly  loved.  At  the  same  time,  she  drew 
from  a  cupboard,  the  bleeding  head  of  his  murdered 
favourite,  and  rolled  it  on  the  table,  at  which  this  unhap- 
py lover  was  sitting  with  his  friends. 

His  wife  immediately  departed,  and  took  refuge  in  a 
convent,  where  she  soon  afterwards  went  mad  with  rage 
and  jealousy. 


144  0?i  Hygieine^  or  the  art 

Earth  has  no  rage  like  love  to  hatred  turn'd, 
Nor  hell  a  fury  like  a  woman  scorn'd. 

Dryden-. 

The  power  of  beauty  is  universally  acknowledj^ed;  it 
hath  been  the  object  of  love  and  admiration  in  all  times 
and  among  all  nations.  But,  alas!  what  is  beauty  with- 
out the  graces  of  virtue!  We  soon  see  to  the  bottom  of 
such  shallow  goods,  and  consequently  must  experience 
a  decay  of  that  admiration  and  affection  which  constitutes 
happiness  in  the  first  degree.  But  to  no  such  mortifying 
disappointment  is  he  liable,  who  bestows  his  love  on  an 
object  in  which  are  concentered  all  the  charms  of  beauty 
and  all  the  graces  of  virtue. 

In  Italy  there  grows  an  herb;  they  call  it  the  Basilisco: 
it  is  sweet-scented  enough;  but,  withal,  it  hath  this 
strange  property,  that  being  laid  under  a  stone  in  a  moist 
place,  in  a  few  days  it  produces  a  scorpion.  Thus,  though 
the  woman,  in  her  first  creation,  was  intended  as  a  help 
for  man,  the  partner  of  his  joys  and  cares,  the  sweet  per- 
fume and  relish  of  his  days  throughout  his  whole  pil- 
grimage; yet  there  are  some  so  far  degenerated  from 
their  primitive  institution,  though  otherwise  of  exterior 
beauty  and  perfection  enough,  that  they  have  proved 
more  intolerable  than  scorpions,  not  only  tormenting 
the  life,  but  hastening  the  death  of  their  too  indulgent 
husbands. 

The  noble  Pittacus,  so  famous  for  his  valour,  and  as 
much  renowned  for  his  wisdom  and  justice,  feasted  upon 
a  time  certain  of  his  friends,  who  were  strangers.  His 
wife  coming  in  at  the  midst  of  the  dinner,  being  angry 
at  something  else,  overthrew  the  table,  and  tumbled 
down  all  the  provision  under  foot.  At  which,  when  his 
guests  were  wonderfully  abashed,  Pittacus,  turning  to 
them,  said,  There  is  not  one  of  us  all  but  he  hath  his 
cross,  and  one  thing  or  other  wherewith  to  exercise  his 
patience;  and,  for  my  own  part,  this  is  the  only  thing 


of  Preserving  Health. 


145 


that  checketh  my  felicity;  for  were  it  not  for  this  shrew, 
m}  wife,  1  were  the  happiest  man  in  the  world:  so  that 
of  me  these  verses  may  be  verified: 

This  man,  who  while  he  walks  the  street, 

Or  public  place,  is  happy  thought, 
No  sooner  sets  in  house  his  feet, 

But  woe  is  him,  and  nought  for  nought; 
His  wife  him  rules,  and  that's  a  spight, 
She  scolds,  she  fights,  from  noon  to  night.'' 

Joan,  grandchild  to  Robert,  King  of  Naples,  suc- 
ceeded her  grandfather  in  the  kingdom  of  Naples  and 
Sicily;  a  woman  of  beautiful  person,  and  rare  endow- 
ments of  nature.  She  was  first  married  to  her  cousin 
Andrew,  a  prince  of  royal  extraction;  and  of  a  sweet 
and  loving  disposition;  but  he  not  being  able  to  satisfy 
her  wantonness,  she  errew  weary  of  him,  and  caused  him. 
to  be  strangled  in  the  night,  and  then  threw  out  his 
corpse  into  a  garden,  where  it  lay  some  days  unburied. 
It  is  said,  her  husband  on  seeing  her  twisting  a  thick 
string  of  silk  and  silver,  asked  for  what  purpose  she 
made  it;  she  answered,  to  hang  you  in,"  which  he  then 
little  believed;  the  rather,  because  those  who  intend  such 
mischief,  use  not  to  speak  of  it  before- hand;  but  it  seems 
she  was  as  good  as  her  word. 

There  is  no  vice  whatever  that  is  very  easy  to  over- 
come; but  that  of  the  lust  of  the 'flesh  seems  to  have  a 
peculiar  difficulty  in  the  conquest  of  it.  But,  how  much 
the  more  strong,  therefore,  the  enemy  is,  and  the  more 
intimate  and  familiar  he  is  with  us,  the  more  noble  is  the 
victory,  and  the  conquest  more  glorious. 

Scipio  had  taken  the  city  of  New  Carthage,  where, 
besides  the  rest  of  the  spoil,  there  were  found  a  number 
of  boys  and  girls,  and  the  children  of  nobility:  among 
the  rest,  one  virgin  was  brought  and  presented  to  Scipio, 
whose  marvellous  beauty  attracted  the  eyes  of  all  men: 

T 


146 


On  Hygieine,  or  the  art 


it  was  supposed  that  this  would  be  no  unacceptable 
present  to  a  young  general.  But  as  soon  as  he  had 
looked  upon  her,  "  I  would,"  said  he,  accept  and  en- 
joy this  virgin,  were  I  a  private  person,  and  not  in  such 
command  as  now  I  am:  as  it  is,  the  republic  keeps  this 
mind  of  mine  sufficiently  employed;  yet  I  receive  her 
as  a  kind  of  plfdge,  to  be  by  me  restored  and  returned, 
where  reason  and  humanity  shall  direct."  He  then  asked 
the  young  lady  of  what  country  she  was,  what  her  birth, 
and  who  her  parents?  By  her  he  understood  that  she  was 
a  princess,  and  contracted  to  Luceius,  a  young  prince  of 
her  nation.  The  general,  therefore,  sent  both  for  him 
and  her  parents:  and  when  come,  setting  the  lady 
by  him,  spoke  thus  to  htr  spouse:  As  soon  as  the 
virgin  was  by  my  soldiers  brought  and  presented  to  me, 
I  with  pleasure  beheld  the  excellency  of  her  form,  and 
I  praised  the  other  accomplishments  of  her  body  and 
mind,  for  nature  hath  not  brought  us  forth  blind  and  al- 
together indifferent  of  such  things:  love  can  reach  even 
this  breast  of  mine,  but  then  it  must  be  an  honest  one, 
and  such  as  the  time  and  my  affairs  will  permit;  though, 
therefore,  she  is  mine  in  the  right  of  war,  I  am  not  de- 
sirous, in  the  midst  of  arms,  to  play  away  my  time  in 
amorous  dalliances:  nor,  perhaps,  would  it  be  just  to 
detain  from  a  valiant  person  one  that  is  already  con- 
tracted to  him.  I  have  learned  thus  much  from  her;  and 
have,  therefore,  sent  for  thee,  that  I  might  see  thee,  and 
that  I,  heaven  is  my  witness,  might  deliver  this  virgin 
chaste  as  I  found  her,  to  thee.  She  hath  lived  with  me  in 
the  same  caution  and  reservedness  as  if  she  had  been 
with  her  parents;  nor  was  it  a  gift  worthy  either  of  my- 
self or  thee,  if  either  force  or  private  fraud  had  made 
any  diminution  to  her  virtue.  Receive  her  inviolate,  and 
enjoy  her;  nor  do  I  desire  any  other  recompense  than  a 
cordial  respect  to  Scipio  and  the  Romans."  The  young 
prince  was  astonished  for  joy;  the  parents  fell  down  at 
the  feet  of  Scipio,  and  laying  there  a  considerable  weight 
of  gold,  offered  it  as  her  ransom;  but  he  bid  the  young 
prince  take  it  as  a  part  of  her  dowry  from  himself,  abcf^e 
that  which  her  parents  should  give.  Thus  did  he  over- 


of  Preserving  Health, 


147 


come  at  once  lust  and  covetousness;  and  by  this  one 
noble  act  of  his,  drew  a  great  part  of  Spain  to  the  side 
of  the  Romans;  they  striving  with  eagerness  to  be  sub- 
ject to  a  person  of  so  much  virtue. 

A  young  Itahan  nobleman  fell  in  love  with  a  duchess 
of  singular  beauty,  but  knew  not  hovv  to  make  her  sen- 
sible of  it;  at  length  chance  gave  him  an  opportunity 
beyond  his  expectations.  One  evening,  as  he  returned 
from  hawking,  he  passed  through  the  fields  of  the  lady 
in  question,  bordering  on  the  palace.  The  duke,  her 
husband,  and  she  were  walking  together  as  the  young 
lord  came  by.  The  duke,  seeing  his  train,  and  what 
game  they  had  been  pursuing,  asked  him  some  ques- 
tions concerning  their  sport,  and,  being  of  a  hospitable 
disposition,  invited  him  into  his  palace  to  partake  of  a 
collation.  He  accepted  the  offer;  and  here  commenced 
an  acquaintance,  which  in  time  made  way  for  an  assig- 
nation between  the  duchess  and  him.  Accordingly,  he 
was  let  into  the  garden  one  night,  and  conducted  pri- 
vately to  her  chamber,  where  she  was  beforehand  ready 
to  receive  him.  After  some  compliments;  "  my  lord," 
said  the  duchess,  *'you  are  obliged  to  my  husband  for 
this  favour;  who,  as  soon  as  you  were  gone  from  our 
house,  the  first  time  he  saw  you,  gave  you  such  com- 
mendations as  made  me  conceive  an  immediate  passion 
for  you."  And  is  this  true,  madam?"  demanded  the 
young  nobleman,  in  astonishment;  "  then  far  be  it  from 
me  to  be  so  ungrateful  to  my  friend."  With  that  he  re- 
sumed his  garments,  which  he  had  begun  to  throw  by, 
and  instantly  took  his  leave. 

Where  shall  we  find  one  so  generous  and  honest,  so 
noble  and  divine,  as  that  of  Joseph,  recorded  in  Holy 
Writ^  The  same  arguments  which  a  base  mind  would 
have  made  to  itself  for  perpetrating  the  evil,  namely, 
free  trust,  full  power,  and  immediate  temptation,  were, 
to  this  brave,  this  gallant  man,  the  greatest  motives  for 
his  forbearing  it.  He  could  do  it  with  impunity  from 
man;  but  he  could  not  affront  and  presumptuously  of- 
fend a  just,  a  holy,  and  an  avenging  God. 


148  On  Hygieine,  or  the  art 

Virtue,  the  strength  and  btauty  of  the  soul, 
It  pleases,  and  it  lasts; — a  happmess 
That  even  above  the  smiles  and  frowns  of  fate 
Exalts  great  nature's  favourite; — a  -wealth 
That  ne'er  encumbers,  nor  to  baser  hands 
Can  be  transferred;  it  is  the  only  good 
Man  justly  boasts  of,  or  can  call  his  own. 

Armstrong. 

There  was  a  maid  called  Lucia,  who  lived  a  virgin 
among  many  others,  and  whose  exquisite  beauty  was 
sought  after  with  vehement  solicitation,  by  a  powerful 
lord,  who,  having  command  and  authority  in  his  hands, 
sent  messengers  to  seize  on  this  innocent  lamb;  and 
whilst  they  were  at  the  gate  menacing  to  kill  her,  and 
set  all  on  fire,  if  this  poor  creature  was  not  delivered 
into  their  hands,  the  maid  came  forth — What  is  it," 
said  she,  you  demand?  I  beseech  you  to  tell  me 
whether  there  be  any  thing  in  my  power  to  purchase 
your  lord  and  master's  love?"     Yes,"  answered  ihey^, 

your  eyes  have  gained  him;  nor  ever  can  he  have  rest 
till  he  enjoy  them""  "well,  go  then,"  said  she,  only 
suffer  me  to  go  to  my  chamber  and  1  will  give  you  sa- 
tisfaction in  this  point."  The  poor  maid,  seeing  her  si- 
tuation, she  spoke  to  her  eyes  and  said:  how,  my 
eyes,  are  you  then  guilty?  I  know  the  reservedness  and 
simplicity  of  your  glances;  nor  have  I,  in  that  kind,  any 
remorse  of  conscience.  But,  howsoever  it  be,  you  ap- 
pear to  me  not  innocent  enough,  since  you  have  kmdied 
fire  in  the  heart  of  a  man  wh.ose  hatred  I  have  ever  more 
esteemed  than  his  love:  quench  with  your  blood  the 
flames  you  have  raised."  Whereupon,  with  a  hand  pi- 
ously cruel,  she  digged  out  her  eyes,  and  sent  the  torn 
reliques,  cmbruedin  her  blood,  to  him  who  sought  her, 
adding,  behold  what  you  love."  He,  seized  with  hor- 
ror, hastened  to  hide  himself  in  a  monastery,  where  he 
remained  the  rest  of  his  days. 


of  Preserving  Health. 


149 


Of  all  the  characters  under  the  sun,  there  is  none  so 
degradiiii^  to  human  nature  as  a  false  lover  or  libertine. 
To  obtain  his  ends,  he  must  become  a  liar,  a  reprobate 
and  a  villain. 

It  is  reported  of  the  cruel  beast  called  the  Hyaena, 
that  by  his  exact  imitation  of  the  human  voice,  he  draws 
the  unwary  shepherds  out  of  their  cottages,  till  he  hath 
brought  them  within  the  compass  of  his  power,  and  then 
he  falls  upon  them  with  all  his  fierceness,  and  devours 
them.  Thus  it  is  with  these  brutish  men,  who,  by  pre- 
tences of  love  and  virtue,  gain  the  hearts  of  poor  inno- 
cent females,  till  they  become  either  masters  of  their 
fortune  or  honour;  which  done,  death  itself  is  more  de- 
sirable than  that  bitterness  and  indignity,  with  which 
they  treat  them. 

A  Frenchman  of  note,  whose  name  is  Villars,  marri- 
ed a  young,  rich,  and  amiable  lady;  but  having  been 
formerly  addicted  to  converse  with  lewd  women,  as 
soon  as  the  honeymoon  was  over,  gave  himself  up  to 
the  same  vicious  courses,  slighted  and  abused  his  wife 
with  words  and  blows;  forsook  her  bed;  took  away  her 
clothes,  her  rings  and  jewels,  and  gave  them  to  his  mis- 
tresses; telling  his  wife,  *'  He  did  not  marry  her  but  for 
her  fortune,  which  he  would  spend  upon  these  women, 
because  he  loved  them,  for  he  never  had  any  kindness 
for  her."  All  these  unkindnesses  his  wife  bore  with  in- 
finite patience,  in  hopes  to  reclaim  him  by  her  modest 
and  humble  behaviour.  At  length,  finding  he  had  almost 
consumed  his  whole  estate,  he  brought  two  of  these 
women  home  to  save  charges,  and  made  his  wife  wait 
upon  them  at  table,  which  she  did  without  discovering 
any  trouble  or  discontent  at  this  more  than  servile  em- 
ployment. But  the  more  she  sought  to  please  them,  the 
more  insolent  were  they,  insomuch  that  one  of  them 
commanding  her  to  fetch  some  water  to  wash  her  hands 
and  to  kneel  while  she  held  the  bason;  the  lady  refusing 
so  mean  a  submission,  the  strumpet  threatened  to  beat 
her;  whereupon  the  lady  taking  courage,  threw  the  wa- 
ter in  the  hussy's  face;  wdio  crying  out,  and  the  husband 


150 


On  Hygieine^  or  the  art 


coming  to  inquire  into  the  reason  of  it,  she  cried  out, 
Oh,  your  wife  has  killed  me,  she  has  killed  me,  re- 
venge my  blood!"  and  then  counterfeiting  death,  fell 
iipon  the  ground  as  if  she  had  been  really  dead;  which 
the  husband  believing,  run  his  wife  through  the  body 
with  his  sword,  of  which  wound  she  died  immediately; 
upon  this  the  vile  strumpet  jumped  up  and  kissed  the 
murderer.  However  they  did  not  escape  the  vengeance 
of  Heaven,  for  they  were  shortly  after  apprehended, 
and  sentenced  to  be  hanged;  Villars  as  principal,  and 
his  two  mistresses  as  accessaries,  and  were  executed 
accordingly. 

One  John  Williams  married  a  poor  idiot  for  the  sake 
of  a  sum  of  money  that  had  been  left  her;  which  when 
he  was  possessed  of,  he  determined  to  shorten  the  life  of 
the  unhappy  wife  by  a  series  of  cruelty,  that  so  he 
might  be  quit  of  a  connexion  which  interest  alone  had 
made  him  contract.  For  this  purpose  he  drove  a  strong 
staple  into  the  wall  of  a  closet  in  the  room  where  they 
lodged,  and  to  this  staple  he  daily  tied  her  with  a  rope, 
which  he  drew  round  her  middle,  her  hands  being  fas- 
tened behind  with  iron  handcuffs;  and  the  little  food  he 
allowed  her  was  laid  on  a  shelf  just  within  the  reach  of 
her  mouth,  so  that  if  she  dropped  any  part  of  it  she  could 
not  recover  it  again.  And  fearing  lest  this  treatment 
might  not  despatch  her  soon  enough,  the  barbarous  vil- 
lain augmented  his  cruelty  by  contracting  the  rope  that 
confined  her,  till  her  toes  only  reached  the  ground;  and 
if  his  daughter  attempted  to  alleviate  her  misery  by  set- 
ting a  stool  for  her  to  stand  on,  he  used  to  heather  un- 
mercifully. By  this  treatment  the  poor  creature  became 
a  frightful  skeleton,  and  she  was  so  far  reduced  that 
her  stomach  loathed  food;  which,  when  he  perceived, 
the  artful  villain  released  her,  loosed  her  hand,  set  meat 
before  her,  and  invited  her  to  eat  with  the  most  endear- 
ing words,  with  a  view  to  skreen  himself  from  justice; 
but  in  two  days  after  she  died.  For  this  barbarous  mur- 
der he  was  executed  in  Moorfields,  amidst  a  numerous 
populace,  whose  resentment  the  villain  fearing  would 


of  preserving  Health. 


151 


urge  them  to  tear  him  to  pieces,  made  him  earnest  with 
the  hangman  to  despatch  him. 

The  female  who  yields  her  virtue  to  the  brutal  desires 
of  a  false  lover,  degrades  herself  in  his  estimation,  by 
the  infidelity  she  commits,  and  his  heart  is  cured  by  the 
contempt  for  her  which  he  feels.  Pride,  however,  in  the 
case  of  such  a  woman,  aggravates  the  sufferings  which 
her  love  inflicts.  In  the  e\  es  of  a  modestly  bred  woman, 
the  surrender  of  so  precious  a  jewel  inspires  a  remorse 
and  shame,  when  she  ceases  to  be  beloved,  that  consti- 
tutes the  bitterest  woe  of  life. 

It  is  surely  matter  of  wonder,  that  these  destroyers  of 
innocence,  though  dead  to  all  the  higher  sentiments  of 
virtue  and  honour,  are  not  restrained  by  compassion 
and  humanity.  To  bring  sorrow,  confusion,  and  infamy 
into  a  family;  to  wound  the  heart  of  a  tender  parent, 
and  stain  the  life  of  a  poor  deluded  young  woman,  with 
a  dishonour  which  never  can  be  wiped  off,  are  circum- 
stances, one  would  think,  sufficient  to  check  the  most 
violent  passion,  in  a  heart  the  least  susceptible  of  feel- 
ing- 
Let  the  unhappy  fate  of  Monimia  be  ever  impressed 
on  the  minds  of  my  young  female  readers. 

 she  flourished 

Grew  sxveet  to  sense,  and  lovely  to  the  eye^ 
Till  at  the  last,  the  cruel  spoiler  came, 
Cropt  this  fair  rose,  and  rifled  all  its  sweetiiess, 
Then  threw  it,  like  a  loathsome  xveed,  axuay. 

Otway. 

She  was  the  lovely  and  accomplished  daughter  of  an 
aged  and  worthy  country  squire.  A  young  officer,  a  man 
of  birth  and  fashion,  who  lived  in  the  neighbourhood, 
took  advantage  of  the  unwary  disposition  of  this  inno» 
cent  girl,  and  afterwards  cruelly  deserted  her.  She  thus 
addresses  him: 


152  On  Hygieine,  or  the  art 

Since  language  never  can  express  my  pain, 

How  can  I  hope  to  move  when  1  complain? 

Yet  such  is  woman's  frenzy  in  distress, 

We  love  to  plead,  tho'  hopeless  of  redress. 

Perhaps,  affecting  ignorance,  thou'lt  say, 

From  whence  these  lines — whose  message  to  convey? 

If  then  you  force  me  to  avow  shame. 

Behold  them  prefaced  with  Monimia's  name. 

Lost  to  the  world,  abandoned  and  forlorn, 

Expos'd  to  infamy,  reproach  and  scorn, 

To  joy  and  comfort  lost,  and  all  for  you, 

And  lost,  perhaps,  to  your  remembrance  too; 

How  hard  my  lot!  what  refuge  can  I  try, 

Weary  of  life,  and  yet  afraid  to  die! 

To  these  reflections  each  slow  weary  day, 

And  each  revolving  night,  a  constant  prey, 

Think  what  I  suffer,  nor  ungentle  hear 

What  madness  dictates  in  my  fond  despair. 

Grudge  not  this  short  relief — too  fast  it  flies! 

Nor  chide  that  weakness  I  myself  despise. 

For  sure  one  moment  is  at  last  her  due 

Who  sacrificed  her  all,  for  love  and  you. 

If  not  of  rock  thy  flinty  heart  is  made. 

Or  tigers  nursed  thee  in  the  desert  shade. 

These  lines  will  sure  thy  cold  compassion  move, 

Which  ask  but  audience  to  an  injured  Love. 

Tho'  no  return  my  warmer  wishes  find. 

Be  to  the  wretch,  tho'  not  the  mistress,  kind; 

Without  restraint,  habituate  to  range 

The  paths  of  pleasure,  can  I  bear  the  change? 


of  Preserving  Healths  1 53 

Doom'd  from  the  world  unwilling  to  retire, 

In  bloom  of  life,  and  warm  with  young  desire; 

In  lieu  of  roofs  with  princely  splendor  gay, 

Condemn'd  in  distant  wilds  to  drag  the  day; 

Yes,  yes,  this  change  I  could  unsighing  see, 

For  none  I  mourn,  but  what  I  find  in  thee: 

There  centre  all  my  woes;  thy  heart  estrang'd, 

I  mourn  my  lover,  not  my  fortune  chang'd; 

Blest  with  thy  presence,  I  could  all  forget, 

Nor  gilded  palaces  in  huts  regret; 

But  exil'd  thence,  superfluous  is  the  rest, 

Each  place  the  same,  my  hell  is  in  my  breast; 

To  pleasure  dead,  and  living  but  to  pain, 

My  only  sense  to  suffer  and  complain. 

As  all  my  wrongs  distressful  I  repeat, 

Say,  can  thy  pulse  with  equal  cadence  beat? 

Can'st  thou  know  peace—is  conscience  mute  within? 

That  upright  delegate  for  secret  sin; 

Is  nature  so  extinguish'd  in  thy  heart, 

That  not  one  spark  remains  to  take  my  part? 

Not  one  repentant  throb,  one  grateful  sigh? 

Thy  breast  unruffled,  and  unwet  thine  eye? 

Thou  cool  betrayer,  temperate  in  ill ! 

Thou,  nor  remorse,  nor  thought  humane  can'st  feel: 

Born  in  an  age,  when  guilt  and  fraud  prevail, 

When  justice  sleeps,  andint'rest  holds  the  scale; 

Thy  loose  companions,  a  licentious  crew, 

Most  to  each  other,  all  to  us,  untrue; 

Who,  indigent  of  honour  as  of  shame, 

Glory  in  crimes,  which  others  blush  to  name. 

U 


154  On  Hygieine^  or  the  art 

These  are  the  leaders  of  thy  blinded  youth, 

These  vile  seducers  laugh  thee  out  of  truth; 

Whose  scurril  jests  all  solemn  ties  profane, 

Or  Friendship's  band,  or  Hymen's  sacred  chain. 

With  such  you  lose  the  day  in  false  delight, 

In  lewd  debauch  you  revel  out  the  night. 

(O  fatal  commerce  to  Monimia's  peace,) 

Their  arguments  convince  because  they  please; 

Whilst  sophistry  for  reason  they  admit, 

And  wander  dazzled  in  the  glare  of  wit. 

Oft  I  revolve,  in  this  distracted  mind. 

Each  word,  each  look,  that  spoke  my  charmer  kind". 

But  oh!  how  dear  their  mem'ry  I  repay! 

What  pleasures  past,  can  present  cares  allay? 

Of  all  I  love  for  ever  dispossess'd; 

Ah!  what  avails,  to  think  I  once  was  bless'dl 

Thy  fatal  letters,  O  immoral  youth, 

Those  perjur'd  pledges  of  fictitious  truth^ 

Dear  as  they  v*'ere,  no  second  joy  afford, 

My  cred'lous  heart  once  leap'd  at  evVy  word, 

My  glowing  bosom  throbb'd  with  thick-heav'd  sighs, 

And  floods  of  rapture  rush'd  into  mine  eyes: 

When  now  repeated  (for  the  theft  was  vain. 

Each  treasured  syllable  my  thoughts  retain,) 

Far  other  passions  rule,  and  different  care, 

My  joys  are  grief,  my  transports  are  despair. 

Why  dost  thou  mock  the  ties  of  constant  love? 

But  half  its  joys  the  faithless  ever  prove; 

They  only  taste  the  pleasures  they  receive, 

When,  sure,  the  noblest  is  in  those  we  give. 


of  Presei'ving  Health,  155 

Acceptance  is  the  heaven  which  mortals  know, 

But  'tis  the  joy  of  heaven  to  bestow. 

Oh!  emulate,  my  love,  that  task  divine, 

Be  thou  that  angel,  and  that  heaven  be  mine. 

Yes,  yet  relent,  yet  intercept  my  fate; 

Alas!  I  rave,  and  sue  for  new  deceit. 

First  vital  warmth  shall  from  the  grave  return, 

Ere  love  extinguish'd,  with  fresh  ardor  burn; 

Oh!  that  I  dar'd  to  act  a  Roman  part, 

And  stab  thy  image  in  this  faithful  heart; 

There  riveted  to  live,  secure  you  reign, 

Ah!  cruel  inmate,  sharp'ning  every  pain; 

While,  coward- like,  irresolute,  I  wait 

Time's  tardy  aid,  nor  dare  to  rush  on  fate; 

Perhaps  may  linger  on  life's  latest  stage, 

Survive  thy  cruelties,  and  fall  by  age; 

No — Grief  shall  spread  my  sails,  and  speed  me  d^er^ 

[Despair  my  pilot)  to  that  quiet  shore, 

Where  I  can  trust,  and  thou  betray  no  more, 

'Tis  past — 'tis  done — what  gleam  of  hope  behind, 

When  I  can  ne'er  be  false,  nor  thou  be  kind? 

Why  then  this  care — 'tis  weak — 'tis  v^^W'—farexvelU 

At  that  last  word  w^hat  agonies  I  feel! 

\  faint — \d:Le — remember  I  was  true — 

*Tis  ?ill  I  ask — eternally — adieu. 


156 


On  Hygieine^  or  the  art 


OF  HOPE. 

"  Hope  springs  iinmortal  in  the  hunnan  breast, 
Man  never  is,  but  always  to  be  blest. 
O  Happiness,  our  being's  end  and  aim, 
Good,  Pleasure,  Ease,  Content,  what'erthy  name: 
That  something  still,  which  prompts  the  eternal  sigh. 
For  which  we  bear  to  foe,  or  dare  to  J/e." 

Pope. 

Hope  is  the  anticipation  of  joy,  or  the  presentiment 
of  an  expected  good.  It  is  attended  with  all  the  favour- 
able effects  of  a  fortunate  event,  without  possessing  any 
of  its  piiysical  advantages;  because  the  expectation  of 
happiness  does  not  affect  us  so  excessively  as  its  enjoy- 
ment. Besides,  it  is  not  liable  to  those  interruptions, 
from  which  no  human  pleasure  is  exempt;  it  is  employ- 
ed principally  with  ideal  or  imaginary  objects,  and  ge- 
nerally keeps  within  the  bounds  of  moderation;  lastly, 
the  sense  of  happiness  contained  in  hope,  far  exceeds 
the  satisfaction  received  from  immediate  enjoyment, 
consequently  it  has  a  more  beneficial  influence  on  health, 
than  good  fortune  realized.  Although  hope  is  in  itself 
only  ideal,  and  presents  its  flattering  images  to  the  fancy 
in  a  borrowed  light,  yet  it  is  nevertheless  the  only  ge- 
nuine source  of  human  happiness. 

With  thee,  sweet  Hope!  resides  the  Heav'nly  light, 
That  pours  remotest  rapture  on  the  sight: 
Thine  is  the  charm  of  life's  bewilder'd  way, 
That  calls  each  slumb'ring  passion  into  play. 
Wak'd  by  thy  touch,  I  see  the  sister  band, 
On  tiptoe  v/atching,  start  at  thy  command, 
And  fly  where'er  thy  mandate  bids  them  steer, 
To  Pleasure's  path,  or  Glory's  bright  career. 

Campbell. 


of  Preserving  Health, 


157 


The  poet  Hesiod  tells  us,  that  the  miseries  and  cala- 
mities of  mankind  were  included  in  a  great  tun;  that 
Pandora  took  olF  the  lid  of  it,  sent  them  abroad,  and 
they  spread  themselves  in  great  quantities  over  all  lands 
and  seas;  but  at  this  time, 

Hope  only  did  remain  behind,  and  flew  not  all  abroad, 
But  underneath  the  utmost  brim  and  ledge  it  still  abode. 

And  this  is  that  which  is  our  principal  antidote,  which 
keeps  our  hearts  from  bursting  under  the  pressure  of 
evils;  and  that  flattering  mirror  that  gives  us  a  prospect 
of  greater  good.  Hence  some  call  it  the  manna  from 
heaven,  that  comforts  us  in  all  extremities;  others,  the 
pleasant  and  honest  flatterer,  that  caresses  the  unhappy 
with  expectation  of  happiness  in  the  bosom  of  futurity. 
When  all  other  things  fail  us,  Hope  stands  by  us  to  the 
last.  Hope  gives  freedom  to  the  captive,  when  chained 
to  the  oar;  health  to  the  sick,  while  death  grins  in  his 
face;  victory  to  the  defeated;  and  wealth  to  the  beggar, 
while  he  is  craving  alms. 

Primeval  Hope,  the  Aonian  Muses  say, 

When  Man  and  Nature  mourn'd  their  fiirst  decay; 

When  every  form  of  death,  aiid  every  woe, 

Shot  from  malignant  stars  to  earth  below; 

When  Murder  bared  her  arm,  and  rampant  War 

Yok'd  the  red  dragons  of  her  iron  car; 

When  Peace  and  Mercy,  banish'd  from  the  plain, 

Sprung  on  the  viewless  winds  to  Heav'n  again; 

All,  all  forsook  the  friendless  guilty  mind, 

But  Hope,  the  charmer,  lingered  still  behind. 

Campbell. 

A  very  notable  case  of  the  influence  of  Hope  on  the 
human  body,  and  its  maladies,  i§  recorded  in  the  history 


158 


On  Hygieiney  or  the  art 


of  the  long  siege  of  Breda,  in  1625,  by  a  physician, 
eye-witness  to  the  fact. 

The  garrison,  depressed  by  fatigue,  poisoned  by  bad 
provisions,  and  dying  rapidly  of  the  scurvy,  were  on 
the  point  of  giving  up  the  town.  The  Prince  of  Orange, 
anxious  to  prevent  its  loss,  contrived  letters  to  the  gar* 
rison,  promising  them  speedy  assistance.  These  were 
accompanied  with  newly  discovered  medicines  against 
the  scurvy,  of  a  most  extraordinary  price,  but  still  more 
extraordinary  efficacy.  To  each  physician  were  given 
three  small  vials,  filled  with  drops  of  such  sovereign 
power,  that  four  drops  were  sufficient  to  impart  a  heaU 
ing  virtue  to  a  gallon  of  liquor.  We  now,  says  the  phy- 
sician, who  was  one  of  the  eye-witnesses  of  this  curious 
fact,  began  to  display  our  wonder-working  balsams. 
Nor  were  even  the  commanders  let  into  the  secret  of 
the  cheat  upon  the  soldiers.  All  who  had  the  scurvy 
crowded  around  us  to  take  their  doses.  Cheerfulness 
again  appears  in  every  countenance,  and  the  universal 
faith  prevails  in  the  sovereign  virtues  of  the  remedy. 
The  effect  of  this  delusion  was  truly  astonishing.  Many 
who  had  not  moved  their  limbs  for  a  month  before,  were 
seen  walking  the  streets  erect  and  perfectly  cured.  Ma- 
ny, who  declared  they  had  been  rendered  worse  by  all 
former  remedies,  recovered  in  a  few  days,  to  their  inex- 
pressible joy,  and  the  no  less  general  surprise,  by  their 
taking,  what  we  affirmed  to  be,  their  gracious  Prince'^s 
cure, 

"  This  curious  relation,"  adds  Dr.  Lind,  "  would 
hardly  perhaps  gain  credit,  were  it  not  in  every  respect 
consonant  to  the  most  accurate  observations,  and  best 
attested  description  of  that  disease.  It  is  given  us  by  an 
eye  witness,  an  author  of  great  candour  and  veracity, 
who,  as  he  informs  us,  wrote  down  every  day  the  state 
of  his  patients,  and  seems  more  to  be  surprised  with 
their  unexpected  recovery,  than  he  probably  would  have 
been,  had  he  been  acquainted  with  the  nature  of  this 
surprising  malady.  An  important  lesson  in  physic,"  adds 
this  excellent  writer,  *4s  hence  to  be  learned;  the  won- 


of  Preserving  Healths 


159 


derful  influence  of  the  passions  of  the  mind  on  the  state 
and  disorders  of  the  body.  This  is  too  often  overlooked 
in  the  cure  of  disorders,  many  of  which  are  sometimes 
attempted  by  the  sole  mechanical  operation  of  drugs, 
without  calling  into  our  assistance  the  strong  powers  of 
the  imagination,  or  the  concurring  influences  of  the  soul. 
Hence  it  is,  that  the  same  remedy  will  not  always  pro- 
duce the  same  effect,  even  in  the  same  person;  and  that 
common  remedies  often  prove  wonderfully  successful 
in  the  hands  of  men  not  of  the  faculty,  which  do  not 
answer  the  purpose  in  a  timorous  and  distrustful  patient. 

A  certain  Rhodian,  for  his  over  freedom  in  speech, 
was  cast  by  a  tyrant  into  a 'cage,  and  there  kept  as  a 
wild  beast,  to  his  great  pain  and  shame:  for  his  hands 
were  cut  off*,  his  nostrils  slit,  and  his  face  deformed  by 
several  wounds  upon  it.  In  this  extremity,  he  was  ad- 
vised by  some  of  his  friends  to  shorten  his  life  by  a  vo- 
luntary abstinence  from  all  food.  But  he  rejected  their 
counsel  with  great  indignation;  and  told  them,  While 
a  man  is  alive,  all  things  are  to  be  hoped  for  by  him.'* 

Cease,  every  joy,  to  glimmer  on  my  mind, 

But  leave — oh!  leave  the  light  of  Hope  behind! 

What,  though  my  winged  hours  of  bliss  have  beenj 

Like  angel-visits,  few  and  far  between! 

Her  musing  mood  shall  every  pang  appease, 

And  charm — when  pleasures  lose  the  power  to  please! 


160 


On  Hygieine,  or  the  art 


OF  JOY. 

Pleasures  are  ever  in  our  hands  or  eyes; 
And  when,  in  act,  they  cease,  in  prospect,  rise» 
Present  to  grasp,  and  future  still  to  find. 
The  whole  employ  of  body  and  of  mind. 
All  spread  their  charrtis,  but  charm  not  all  alike j 
On  diff'rent  senses,  diff 'rent  objects  strike; 
Hence  diff'rent  Passions  more  or  less  inflame. 
As  strong  or  weak,  the  organs  of  the  frame; 
And  hence  one  master  passion  in  the  breast. 
Like  Aaron's  serpent,  swallows  up  the  rest. 

Pope. 

Joy  is  that  state  of  mind,  in  which  it  feels  extraordi-' 
nary  pleasure.  The  activity  of  the  whole  machine  is  en^ 
livened;  the  action  of  the  heart  and  arteries  is  increased; 
the  cirfiulation  of  all  the  fluids  is  more  vigorous  and  uu  - 
form;  it  prevents  the  formation  of  disease,  and  facilitates 
the  cure  of  such  as  are  formed* 

Pope  Julius  the  second,  receiving  information  of  aux- 
iliary forces  that  were  coming  to  him  from  the  king  of 
Spain,  to  make  an  end  of  the  Farrarian  war,  was  so  ex- 
ceedingly rejoiced  at  it,  that  he  was  prese  ntly  relieved 
of  a  fever,  with  which  he  was  afflicted  for  some  time. 

Askew,  a  wealthy  and  facetious  farmer  of  Cornwall, 
was  afflicted  with  a  most  alarming  imposthumation,  of 
which  he  appeared  to  be  on  the  very  point  of  suftbca- 
tion.  Concluding,  from  his  agonies,  that  he  had  but  a 
few  moments  to  live,  his  servants,  an  ungrateful  crew 
to  such'  a  generous  a  master,  began  to  plunder.  One 
seized  his  gold  watch,  another  laid  violent  hands  on  his 
plate;  and  the  third,  more  daring  still,  broke  his  bureau, 
and  began  to  finger  his  gold.  A  monkey,  who  was  pre- 
sent, seeing  what  they  were  about,  and  thinking  he 
might  as  well  take  a  hand  in  the  game,  laid  hold  of  his 
master's  wig,  and  with  his  gold-headed  cane,  made  him 


of  Preserving  Health, 


161 


a  low  bow,  and  began  to  walk  about  the  room  as  a  man 
of  great  con:5equence.  The  stately  steppings  and  self- 
assumed  dignity  of  Jacko,  so  tickled  the  fancy  of  Mr. 
Askew,  as  to  excite  a  most  immoderate  fit  of  laughter. 
The  imposthumation  burst,  the  purulent  matter  was 
thrown  up — and,  to  the  eternal  confusion  of  his  ser- 
vants, Mr.  Askew  perfectly  recovered  his  health. 

Ptolemeus  Philadelphus  had  received  the  sacred  vo- 
lumes of  the  law  of  God,  newly  brought  out  of  Judea; 
and.  while  he  held  them  with  great  reverence  in  his 
hands,  praising  God  upon  that  account,  all  that  were 
present  made  a  joyful  exclamation;  and  the  king  him- 
self was  so  overjoyed,  that  he  broke  out  into  tears.  Na- 
ture having  so  ordered  it,  that  the  expression  of  sorrow 
should  also  be  the  follower  of  extraordinary  joys. 

The  Egyptian  Temples,  they  say,  were  exceedingly 
beautiful  and  fair  in  the  frontispiece,  but  foul  and  filthy 
inwardly.  So  this  affection  of  joy,  which  seems  out- 
wardly so  pleasant  upon  us,  and  which  furnishes  our 
hearts  with  much  pleasure  and  delight,  proves  fatal  to 
us  in  the  excess  of  it,  and  serves  us  much  after  the  man- 
ner of  ivy,  which  seemeth  to  adorn  the  tree  whereunto 
it  cleaveth,  but  indeed  sucketh  out  and  stealeth  away  the 
sap  thereof. 

A  gentleman,  at  a  sermon,  saw  a  woman  fall  from  her 
seat  half  asleep;  at  which  most  of  the  congregation 
laughed;  but  he  was  so  much  moved,  that  for  three 
days  he  did  nothing  but  laugh,  by  which  means  he  was 
much  weakened,  and  continued  in  an  infirm  state  of 
body  for  a  long  time  after. 

Cardanus,  in  the  fifth  book  of  Wisdom,  gives  an  in- 
stance of  the  danger  of  this  passion  when  it  exceeds  its 
due  bounds,  in  a  smith  of  Milan,  a  fellow  citizen  of  his, 
who  being  highly  commended  for  refining  an  instru- 
ment called  the  colea,  heretofore  made  use  of  by  Archi- 
medes, out  of  extreme  joy,  ran  mad. 

X 


162 


On  Hygieiiie,  or  the  art 


Philemon,  a  comic  poet,  beholding  an  ass  eating  some 
figs  that  a  boy  had  laid  dov\'n;  when  the  boy  returned, 
**  go  now,"  said  he,  "  and  fetch  the  ass  some  drink;" 
the  old  man  was  so  tickled  with  the  fancy  of  his  own 
jest,  that  he  died  laughing.  In  the  same  manner,  and 
much  upon  the  same  occasion,  died  Chrysippus. 

The  same  is  related  of  one  of  the  Popes,  who,  when 
he  was  ill,  saw  a  monkey  at  his  bed  side  put  on  the  holy 
tiara. 

Philippides,  a  comic  poet  in  Athens,  being  arrived  to 
a  great  age,  when  in  the  contest  and  trial  of  poets,  he, 
beyond  all  his  hopes,  had  the  victory  adjudged  to  him, 
and  not  able  to  bear  the  great  joy  it  excited,  he  sud- 
denly fell  down  and  died. 

Captain  Coucy,  a  gallant  gentleman  of  ancient  ex- 
traction, in  France,  and  governor  of  Coucy  castle,  fell 
in  love  with  a  young  lady,  and  courted  her.  There  was 
reciprocal  love  between  them;  but  her  parents  under- 
standing it,  by  way  of  prevention,  shuffled  up  a  forced 
match  between  her  and  one  Mr.  Fayel,  who  was  heir  to 
a  great  estate.  Hereupon,  captain  Coucy  quitted  France 
in  discontent,  and  went  to  the  wars  in  Hungary  against 
the  Turks,  where  he  received  a  mortal  wound  near  Bu- 
da.  Being  carried  to  his  lodgings,  he  languished  four 
days:  but  a  little  before  his  death,  he  spoke  to  an  ancient 
servant,  of  whose  fidelity  and  trust  he  had  had  ample  ex- 
perience, and  told  him  he  had  a  great  business  to  trust 
him  with,  which  he  conjured  him  to  perform;  which 
was,  that  after  his  death,  he  should  cause  his  body  to  be 
opened,  take  out  his  heart,  put  it  into  an  earthen  pot, 
and  bake  it  to  powder;  then  put  the  powder  into  a  hand- 
some box,  with  the  bracelet  of  hair  he  had  long  worn 
about  his  left  wrist,  which  was  a  lock  of  Madame 
Fayel's  hair,  and  put  it  amongst  the  powder,  together 
with  a  little  note  which  he  had  written  with  his  own 
blood:  and  after  he  had  given  him  the  rites  of  burial,  to 
make  all  the  speed  he  could  to  France,  and  dehver  the 


of  Preserving  Health. 


163 


box  to  Madame  Fa\  el.  The  old  servant  did  as  his  master 
conimandtd  him,  and  so  went  to  France;  and  coming 
one  day  to  Monsieur  Fayel's  house,  he  suddenly  met 
him  with  one  of  his  servants;  who,  knowing  him  to  be 
captain  Coucy's  servant,  examined  him;  and  finding  him 
timorous  and  to  faultfr  in  his  speech,  he  searched  him, 
and  found  the  said  box  in  his  pocket,  with  the  note 
which  expressed  what  was  in  it;  then  he  dismissed  the 
bearer,  with  menaces  that  he  should  come  no  more  thi- 
ther. Monsieur  Fayel  going  in,  sent  for  his  cook,  and  deli- 
vered him  the  powder,  charging  him  to  make  a  well  relish- 
ed dish  of  it,  without  losing  a  jot,  for  it  was  a  very  costly 
thing;  and  commanded- him  to  bring  it  in  himseii  after 
the  last  course  at  supper.  The  cook  bringing  in  his  dish 
accordingly.  Monsieur  Fayel  commanded  all  to  avoid 
the  room,  and  began  a  serious  discourse  with  his  w^ife; 
"  That  ever  since  he  had  married  her,  he  observed  she 
was  always  melancholy,  and  he  feared  she  was  inclining 
to  a  consumption,  therefore,  he  had  provided  a  very  pre- 
cious cordial,  which  he  was  well  assured  would  cure 
her,"  and  for  that  reason  obliged  her  to  eat  up  the  whole 
dish.  She  afterwards  much  importuning  him  to  know 
what  it  was,  he  told  her  at  last,  she  had  eaten  Coucy's 
heart;"  and  so  drew  the  box  out  of  his  pocket  and  show- 
ed her  the  note  and  bracelet.  In  a  sudden  exultation  of 
joy,  she  with  a  deep-fetched  sigh,  said,  This  is  a  pre- 
cious cordial  indeed;"  and  so  Bcked  the  dish,  saying, 
"  It  is  so  precious,  that  it  is  a  pity  ever  to  eat  any  thing 
after  it."  Whereupon  she  went  to  bed,  and  in  the  morn- 
ing was  found  dead.  This  sad  story  is  painted  in  Coucy 
castle,  and  remains  fresh  to  this  day. 

When  the  Romans  were  overcome  by  Hannibal  at  the 
-  battle  of  Thrasymene,  and  the  news  of  that  calamity 
was  brought  to  them,  the  anxious  and  solicitous  multi- 
tude flocked  to  the  gates,  as  well  women  as  men,  to 
hear  what  became  of  their  friends:  various  were  the  af- 
fections of  inquirers  according  as^h&y  were  certified  of 
the  life  or  death  of  their  relations;  But  both  the  sorrow 
and  joy  of  the  wonien  exceeded  that  of  the  men.  Here  it 


164 


On  Hygieine^  or  the  art 


was  that  one  woman  meeting  at  the  gate  with  her  son  in 
safety,  whom  she  had  given  up  for  dead,  died  in  his 
arms  as  she  embraced  him.  Another  hearing,  though 
falsely,  that  her  son  was  slain,  kept  herself  within  doors 
in  great  sorrow  and  perplexity:  when  unexpectedly  she 
saw  him  come  in;  this  first  sight  of  him  caused  such 
excessive  joy  as  to  deprive  her  immediately  of  life. 

If  we  have  anticipated  any  joyful  events,  the  body  is 
gradually  prepared  to  undergo  the  emotions  connected 
with  it.  For  this  reason  we  ought  to  fortify  ourselves 
with  the  necessary  share  of  firmness,  to  meet  joyful  as 
well  as  disastrous  tidings. 

Habitual  joy  arising  from  the  perfection,  rectitude, 
and  due  subordination  of  our  faculties;  and  their  lively 
exercise  on  the  most  worthy  object,  as  the  love  of  God, 
and  the  practice  of  virtue;  constitutes  mental  or  rational 
happiness. 

A  soul  in  commerce  with  her  God,  is  heav'n; 
Feels  not  the  tumults  and  the  shocks  of  life; 
The  whirls  of  passions  and  the  strokes  of  heart. 
A  deity  believed,  is  joy  begun; 
A  deity  adored,  is  joy  advanced; 
A  deity  beloved,  is  Joy  matured. 

Young. 


of  Preserving  Health. 


165 


OF  GRIEF. 

It  is  the  great  art  of  life  to  manage  well 
The  restless  mind.  For  ever  on  pursuit 
Of  knowledge  bent,  it  starves  the  grosser  powers 
Qviite  unemployed,  against  its  own  repose 
It  turns  its  fatal  edge,  and  sharper  pangs 
Than  what  the  body  knows,  embitter  life. 
Chiefly  where  solitude,  the  nurse  of  care. 
To  sickly  musing  gives  the  pensive  mind, 
There  madness  enters;  and  the  dim-eyed  fiend. 
Sour  melancholy,  night  and  day  provokes 
Her  own  eternal  wound.  

Armstrong. 

Grief,  like  a  poison,  corrodes  the  powers  of  the  mind 
and  body;  it  enfeebles  the  whole  nervous  system;  the 
heart  beats  slower;  the  circulation  of  the  blood,  and 
other  fluids,  become  more  inert;  the  appetite  and  diges- 
tion become  vitiated,  and  thus  arise  obstructions  and 
other  distressing  complaints.  Tears  are  the  anodynes  of 
grief,  and  ought,  therefore,  not  to  be  restrained.  They 
have  a  tendency  to  prevent  the  danger  to  be  apprehend- 
ed from  grief,  by  diminishing  the  spasmodic  motions 
in  the  breast  and  head;  and  by  restoring  regularity  in 
respiration,  as  well  as  in  the  circulation  of  the  blood. 

A  \yidow  lady  was  left  in  narrow  circumstances  with 
a  boy  and  girl,  two  beautiful  and  lively  children,  the 
one  six,  and  the  other  seven  years  of  age;  as  her  cir- 
cumstances allowed  her  to  keep  but  one  maid  servant, 
these  two  children  were  the  sole  attention,  employment, 
and  consolation  of  her  life;  she  fed  them,  dressed  them, 
slept  with  them,  and  taught  them  herself:  they  were 
both  snatched  from  her  by  the  gangrenous  sore  throat, 
in  one  week;  so  that  she  lost  at  once  all  that  employed 
her,  as  well  as  all  that  was  dear  to  her.  For  the  first 
three  or  four  days  after  their  death,  when  any  friend  vi- 


166 


On  Hygieine,  or  the  art 


sited  her,  she  sat  upright  with  her  eyes  M^ide  open,  with- 
out shedding  tears,  and  affected  to  speak  of  indifferent 
things.  Afterwards  she  began  to  weep  much,  and  for 
some  weeks  talked  to  her  friends  of  nothing  else  but 
her  dear  children;  but  did  not  for  many  years,  even  to 
her  dying  hour,  get  quite  over  a  gloom  which  was  left 
upon  her  countenance. 

When  any  cause  of  deep  grief  is  presented  to  the 
mind,  it  frequently  gains  such  a  force  as  almost  totally 
to  exclude  all  thoughts,  except  those  that  are  connect- 
ed with  it.  Hence  the  whole  imagination  is  by  degrees 
obscured,  and  the  most  usual  consequences  of  it  are 
the  deepest  melancholy,  succeeded  by  insanity— and 
sometimes  that  speedier  dissolution,  "  a  broken  heart." 

A  rich  Bishop  of  Salisbury  being  spoiled  of  his  goods 
and  thrown  out  of  his  casde,  vv^as  so  emerged  in  grief, 
that  he  ran  perfectly  mad,  and  remained  in  that  situa- 
tion for  several  years  until  his  death. 

Governor  Alvarado  married  Lady  Beatrice,  and  he 
dying,  his  wife  abandoned  herself  to  all  the  excesses  of 
grief;  and  not  only  dressed  her  house  in  black,  and  ab- 
stained from  meat  and  sleep,  but  in  a  mad  impiety  said, 
"  God  could  now  do  her  no  greater  evil."  Soon  after 
happened  an  extraordinary  inundation  of  waters,  which 
on  a  sudden  assailed  the  Governor's  house,  and  caused 
this  impotent  Lady  now  to  bethink  herself  of  her  devo- 
tion, and  betake  her  to  the  Chapel,  with  several  of  her 
maids;  where  leaping  on  the  altar  and  clasping  about  an 
image,  the  force  of  the  water  carried  away  the  Chapel, 
and  she  with  her  maids  were  drowned. 

Charles,  Duke  of  Burgundy,  being  discomfited  at 
the  battle  of  Nancy,  passing  over  a  river,  was  over- 
thrown by  his  horse,  and  in  that  state  was  assaulted  by 
a  gentleman,  of  whom  he  craved  quarters;  but  the  gen- 
tleman being  deaf,  slew  him  immediately:  yet  after- 


of  Preserving  Health,  167 

wards,  when  he  knew  whom  he  had  slain,  he  died  with- 
in a  few  days  of  grief. 

.  Homer  had  sailed  out  of  Chios  to  lo,  with  a  purpose 
to  visit  Athens:  here  it  was,  that  being  old,  he  fell  sick, 
and  so  remained  upon  the  shore,  where  there  landed 
certain  fishermen,  whom  he  asked  if  they  had  taken 
any  thing?"  They  replied,  ''what  we  caught  we  left 
behind  us;  and  what  we  could  not  catch  we  brought 
with  us;"  meaning,  that  when  they  could  not  catch  any 
fish,  they  had  loused  themselves  upon  the  shore,  kill- 
ing what  they  took,  and  carrying  with  them  such  as 
they  could  not  find.  When  Homer  was  not  able  to  solv^ 
this  riddle,  it  is  reported  that  he  died  with  grief. 

When  the  Turks  came  to  raise  the  siege  of  Buda, 
there  was  amongst  the  German  captains  a  nobleman 
called  Rayschachius,  whose  son,  a  valiant  young  gentle- 
man, having  got  out  of  the  army  without  his  father's 
knowledge,  he  behaved  so  gallantly  in  fight  against  the 
enemy,  in  the  sight  of  his  idXhtr  and  of  the  army,  that  he 
was  highly  commended  of  all  men,  and  especially  of  his 
father,  who  did  not  know  he  was  his  son;  yet  before  he 
could  clear  himself  he  was  compassed  in  by  the  enemy, 
and,  valiantly  fighting,  was  slain.  Rayschachius,  exceed- 
ingly moved  by  the  death  of  brave  a  man,  ignorant  how 
near  it  touched  himself,  turning  about  to  the  other  cap- 
tains, said,  "  this  worthy  gentleman,  whosoever  he  be, 
deserves  eternal  commendation,  and  to  be  honourably 
buried  by  the  whole  army."  As  the  rest  of  the  captains 
were  with  like  compassion  approving  his  speech,  the 
dead  body  of  the  unfortunate  son  was  presented  to  the 
most  miserable  father,  which  caused  all  who  were  pre- 
sent to  shed  tears;  but  such  a  sudden  and  inward  grief 
surprised  the  aged  father,  and  struck  so  to  his  heart, 
that  after  he  had  stood  awhile  speechless,  with  his  eyes 
fixed,  he  fell  down  dead. 

Uvipertus  elected  bishop  of  Rauburg,  went  to  Rome 


168 


On  HygieinCy  or  the  art 


finding  himself  neglected  and  rejected  by  him,  upon  the 
account  of  his  youth,  the  next  night  for  grief  all  the 
hair  of  his  head  was  turned  gray,  whereupon  he  was 
received.  ^ 

The  melioration  of  grief  by  time,  and  its  being  at 
length  even  attended  by  pleasure,  depends  on  our  re- 
taining any  distinct  idea  of  the  last  object,  and  forget- 
ting for  a  time,  the  idea  of  the  loss  of  it.  This  pleasure 
of  grief  is  beautifully  described  by  Akenside. 

 Ask  the  faithful  youth 

Why  the  cold  urn  of  her  whom  long  he  lov'd 
So  often  fills  his  arms:  so  often  draws 
His  lonely  footsteps  at  the  silent  hour 
To  pay  the  mournful  tribute  of  his  tears? 
Oh!  he  will  tell  thee,  that  the  wealth  of  worlds 
Should  ne'er  seduce  his  bosom  to  forego 
That  sacred  hour;  when  stealing  from  the  noise 
Of  care  and  envy,  sweet  remembrance  soothes 
With  Virtue's  kindest  looks,  his  aching  breast, 
And  turns  his  tears  to  rapture. 

Whilst  the  great  genius  of  physic,  Hippocrates,  drove 
away  maladies  by  his  precepts,  and  almost  snatched 
bodies  out  of  the  hands  of  death,  one  Antiphon  arose  in 
Greece,  who,  envious  of  his  glory,  promised  to  do  upon 
souls,  what  the  other  did  on  bodies;  and  proposed  the 
sublime  invention,  which  Plutarch  calls  the  art  of  cur- 
ing griefs  where  we  may  truly  say,  he  used  more  vanity, 
promises,  and  show  of  words,  than  he  wrought  effects. 
Certainly  it  were  to  be  wished  that  all  ages,  which  are 
abundant  in  misery,  should  likewise  produce  great  com- 
forts to  soften  the  calamities  of  human  life. 


of  Preserving  Health.  169 

O!  canst  thou  minister  to  a  mind  diseased, 
Pill -k  IVoni  the  memory  of  rooted  sorrow, 
Rase  out  the  written  troubles  of  the  brain; 
And,  with  some  sweet  oblivious  antidote, 
•  Cleanse  tlie  stuff 'd  bosom  of  that  perilous  stuff 
Which  weighs  upon  the  heart? 

Shakspeare# 

In  the  pagan  religion,  the  power  of  dying  was  the 
great  consolation  in  irremediable  distress.  Seneca  says, 
"  no  one  need  be  unhappy,  unless  by  his  own  fault." — 
And  the  author  of  Ttlemachus  begins  his  work  by  say- 
ing, that  Calypso  could  not  console  herself  for  the  loss 
of  Ulysses,  and  found  herself  unhappy  in  being  immor- 
tal. But  to  the  Christian,  this  one  suggestion,  I  know 
that  my  Redeemer  liveth,  affords  a  richer  cordial  to 
the  fainting  soul,  than  all  the  volumes  of  Heathen  Phi- 
losophy. 

Many  are  the  sayings  of  the  wise 

In  ancient  and  in  modern  books  enroll'd, 

Extolling  patience  as  the  truest  fortitude: 

And  to  the  bearing  well  of  all  calamities, 

All  chances  incident  to  man's  frail  life. 

Many  are  the  consolatory  writs  form'd 

With  studied  argument,  and  much  persuasion; 

But  with  th'  afflicted  in  his  pangs  such  sounds 

Little  prevail,  or  rather  seem  a  tune 

Harsh,  and  of  dissonant  mood  from  his  complaint: 

Unless  he  feel  within 

Some  source  of  consolation  from  above^ 

Secret  refreshings,  that  repair  his  strength, 

And  fainting  spirits  uphold. 

MiLtOT?. 

Y 


170 


On  Hygieine^  or  the  art 


When  the  heart  is  oppressed,  every  former  comfort 
at  that  moment  usually  goes  for  nothing.  Life  is  beheld 
in  all  its  gloom.  A  dark  cloud  seems  to  hang  over  it;  and 
it  is  too  often  reviewed,  as  no  other  than  a  scene  of 
wretchedness  and  sorrow.  But  this  is  to  be  unjust  to 
human  life,  as  well  as  \ingrateful  to  its  author.  Only 
consider  how  many  days,  how  many  months,  how  many 
years  you  have  passed  in  health,  ease  and  comfort;  how 
many  pleasurable  feelings  you  have  had;-  how  many  bles- 
sings, ill  short,  of  difierent  kinds,  you  have  tasted;  and 
you  will  be  forced  to  acknowledge,  that  more  materials 
of  thanksgiving  present  themselves  than  of  lamentation 
and  complaint:  these  blessings,  you  will  say,  are  past; 
but  though  past,  ought  they  to  be  gone  from  your  re- 
membrance? Do  they  merit  no  place  in  the  comparative 
estimate  of  goods  and  evils  of  your  state?  Did  you, 
could  you  expect,  that  in  this  mutable  world,  any  tem- 
poral joy  was  to  last  forever?  Has  gratitude  no  influence 
to  form  your  mind  to  a  calm  acquiescence  in  your  Be- 
nefactor's appointments?  What  can  be  more  reason- 
able than  to  say — Having  in  former  times  received  so 
many  good  things  from  the  hand  of  God,  shall  I  not 
now  without  despondence,  receive  the  few^  evils  which  it 
hath  pleased  him  to  send?  If  we  are  deprived  of  friends, 
whom  we  tenderly  loved,  are  there  not  some  still  remain- 
ing, from  whom  we  may  expect  much  comfort?  If  our  bo- 
dies are  afflicted  with  sore  disease,  have  we  not  reason  to 
be  thankful  that  our  mind  continues  vigorous  and  entire? 
that  we  are  in  a  situation  to  look  around  us  for  whatever 
can  afford  us  ease;  and  that  after  the  decay  of  this  frail 
and  mouldering  tabernacle,  we  can  look  forward  a 
house  not  made  with  hands,  eternal  in  the  heavens^ 

In  the  midst  of  all  distresses,  there  remains  to  every 
sincere  Christian,  that  mixture  of  pure  and  genuine  con- 
solation, which  springs  from  the  promises  and  hopes  of 
a  future  life.  Consider  what  a  singular  distinction  this 
makes  in  your  situation,  beyond  the  state  of  those  who, 
under  the  various  troubles  of  life,  are  left  without  hope; 
without  any  thing  to  look  up  to,  but  a  train  of  unknown 
causes  and  accidents,  in  which  they  see  no  light  nor  com- 


ef  Preserving  Health. 


171 


fort.  Thank  the  Father  of  Mercies,  that  into  all 
the  evil  he  sends,  he  infuses  joyful  hope,  that  the  suffer- 
ings of  the  present  time  are  not  worthy  to  be  compared 
with  the  glory  that  shall  be  revealed  in  the  end  to  the  vir- 
tuous and  good.  Have  we  sustained  the  greatest  of  all 
losses?  it  is  his  gain  that  he  yet  liveth,  that  this  life  is  but 
the  threshold,  the  portal,  the  entrance  to  a  better  place, 
and  that  his  happiness  is  as  complete  as  our  misery  is 
great.  Let  us  turn  our  eyes  from  earth  to  heaven,  from 
the  perishable  body  to  that  which  endureth  forever;  and, 
even  whilst  we  are  heavy  with  affliction,  let  us  smile  with 
our  eyes  turned  upwards,  and  say,  It  is  thy  will,  I  sub- 
mit.— He  is  happy.  I  would  not  wish  him  back  to  a 
troublesome  world. — 1  soon  shall  follow  after  him.  The 
mortal  hath  put  on  immortality — We  shall  then  meet, 
never,  never,  to  be  separated  more." 

Think,  then,  ye  mourning  parents,  nor  complain 

For  breathless  children,  as  ye  weep  in  vain. 

Why  should  you  be  in  lamentations  drovvn'd, 

While  your  young  babes  with  victory  are  crown'd, 

Before  the  sword  was  drawn,  or  cruel  strife 

Had  shed  its  venom  on  the  ills  of  life? 

Perhaps  Almighty  God  foresaw  some  vile, 

Some  tempting  evil  should  them  beguile; 

Of  sore  adversity,  a  dreadful  storm, 

Or  of  dire  wickedness,  a  monstrous  form. 

How  then  in  words  which  nothing  can  avail, 

Against  lhat  kind  precaution  dare  you  rail? 

Remember,  that  of  them  you're  not  bereav'd. 

But  from  "  the  coming  evil  they  are  sav'd." 

AnketelLo 


172 


On  Hygieine^  or  the  art 


OF  FEAR. 

Timorous  self-love,  with  sick'niii^  fancy's  aid, 
Presents  the  danger  that  you  dread  the  most, 
And  ever  galls  you  in  your  tender  pari. 
Hence,  some  for  love,  and  some  for  jealousy. 
Have  lost  their  reason:  some  for  fear  of  want. 
Want  all  their  lives;  and  others  every  day, 
For  fear  of  dying,  suffer  worse  than  death. 
Is  tliere  an  evil  worse  than  fear  itself? 
And  what  avails  it,  that  indulgent  Heaven 
From  mortal  eyes  has  wrapt  the  woes  to  come. 
If  we,  ingenious  to  torment  ourselves. 
Grow  pale  at  hideous  fictions  of  our  own? 

Armstron*. 

Fear  has  its  origin  in  the  apprehension  of  danger, 
and  is  kindly  placed  in  man  as  a  sentinel  for  self-preser- 
vation. But,  like  every  other  passion,  the  excess  of  it  is 
pernicious.  If  it  be  raised  to  the  degree  of  terror,  the 
hairs  are  raised  on  end,  and  the  whole  body  put  into 
horror  and  trembling.  With  some  individuals  it  is  apt 
to  occasion  diarrhoea;  and  in  others,  an  involuntary  dis- 
charge of  urine.  If  the  passion  continues,  the  spirits  are 
put  into  confusion,  so  that  they  cannot  execute  their  of- 
fices; the  usual  succours  of  reason  fail;  judgment  is 
blinded;  the  powers  of  voluntary  motion  become  weak; 
and  the  heart  is  insufficient  to  maintain  the  circulation  of 
the  blood;  which,  stagnating  in  the  ventricles  of  the 
heart,  causes  swooning,  and  sometimes  sudden  death. 

Don  Diego  Osorius,  a  Spaniard  of  a  noble  family, 
being  in  love  with  a  young  lady  of  the  court,  had  pre- 
vailed w  ith  her  for  a  private  conference  under  the  shady 
boughs  of  a  tree,  that  grew  w^ithin  the  gardens  of  the 
king  of  Spain:  but,  by  the  unfortunate  barking  of  a  little 
dog,  their  privacy  was  betrayed,  and  the  young  gentle- 
man seized  by  some  of  the  king's  guard,  was  imprisoned. 
It  was  a  capital  crime  to  be  found  in  that  place,  and, 


of  Freserv'mg  Health, 


173 


therefore,  he  was  condemned  to  die.  He  was  so  terrified 
at  the  hearing  of  his  sentence,  that  one  and  the  same 
night  saw  the  same  person  young,  and  all  turned  gray, 
as  in  age.  The  jailor,  moved  at  the  sight,  related  the  ac- 
cident to  king  Ferdinand,  as  a  prodigy;  who,  thereupon, 
pardoned  him;  saying,  he  had  been  sufficiently  punish- 
ed for  his  fault,  seeing  he  liad  exchanged  the  flower  of 
his  youth  into  the  hoary  hairs  of  age.'' 

The  like  happened  to  a  dissipated  youth  while  he  lay 
sick  on  his  bed.  He,  hearing  the  physicians  despaired  of 
his  life,  what  with  watching  and  the  fear  of  death,  all 
the  hair  on  his  head  turned  gray  in  the  compass  of  one 
night. 

A  lady,  near  the  time  of  her  delivery,  was  exceed- 
ingly frightened  with  the  cry  of  fire  at  midnight;  and 
beholding  the  flames  not  far  off*,  she  presently  complain- 
ed of  an  extraordinary  commotion  of  the  inflmt.  She 
went  to  bed  and  slept;  but,  ere  long,  was  taken  with  a 
strange  and  horrible  kind  of  convulsion,  of  which  she 
died  within  twelve  hours  after  her  fright. 

Mr.   ,  a  clergyman,  about  forty  years  of  age, 

who  was  rather  a  weak  man,  happened  to  be  drinking 
wine  in  a  jocular  company,  and  by  accident  swajlowed 
part  of  the  seal  of  a  letter  which  he  had  just  received: 
one  of  his  companions,  seeing  him  alarmed,  cried  out, 
in  humour,  "  It  will  seal  your  bowels  up."  He  became 
melancholy  from  that  instant,  and  in  a  day  or  two  refu- 
sed to  swallow  any  kind  of  nourishment.  On  being 
pressed  to  give  a  reason  for  his  refusal,  he  answered,  he 
knew  nothing  would  pass  through  him;  and  though  he 
was  frightened  into  taking  a  little  broth  once  or  twice  by 
threats,  yet  he  soon  ceased  entirely  to  swallow  any 
thing,  and  died  in  consequence  of  this  insane  idea. 

I  knew  a  surgeon,  says  Dr.  Darwin,  who  was  always 
rather  of  a  parsimonious  disposition,  had  a  large  house, 
with  a  fortune  of  forty  thousand  pounds  left  him;  and  in 


174  On  Hygie'iney  or  the  art 

a  few  weeks  became  insane  from  the  fear  of  poverty; 
lamenting  that  he  would  die  in  a  jail  or  in  a  work-house. 
He  had  left  off  a  laborious  country  practice,  and  the 
daily  perception  of  profit  in  his  books;  he  also  now  saw 
greater  expenses  going  on  in  his  new  house,  than  he  had 
been  accustomed  to  observe,  and  did  not  so  distinctly 
see  the  source  of  supply;  which  seems  to  have  occa- 
sioned the  maniacal  hallucination.  The  fear  of  hell,  con- 
tinues he,  has  also,  in  some  instances,  been  attended 
with  fatal  effects.  In  this  kind  of  madness,  the  poor  pa- 
tients frequently  commit  suicide;  although  they  believe 
they  run  headlong  into  the  very  hell  which  they  dread! 

The  miserable  life  bad  men  have,  by  reason  of 
their  continual  fear  of  death,  we  have  exemplified  in 
Dionysius,  the  tyrant  of  Syracuse,  who  finished  his 
thirty-eight  years  rule  in  this  manner:  Removing  his 
friends,  he  gave  the  custody  of  his  body  to  some  stran- 
gers and  barbarians;  and  being  in  fear  of  barbers,  he 
taught  his  daughters  to  shave  him,  and  when  they  were 
grown  up,  he  durst  not  trust  them  with  a  razor,  but 
taught  them  how  they  should  burn  off  his  hair  and  beard 
with  the  white  films  of  walnut  kernels.  Not  daring  to 
speak  to  the  people  out  of  the  common  rostrum  or  pul- 
pit for  that  purpose,  he  used  to  make  orations  to  them 
from  the  top  of  a  tower.  On  one  occasion,  he  gave  his 
cloak  and  sword  to  a  small  boy  whom  he  loved,  to  hold 
for  a  few  minutes;  and  when  one  of  his  most  familiar 
friends  had  jestingly  said,  "  You  now  put  your  life  into 
bis  hands,"  and  that  the  boy  smiled,  he  commanded 
them  both  to  be  slain,  one  for  showing  the  way  how  he 
might  be  killed,  and  the  other  for  approving  it  with  a 
smile.  At  last,  overcome  in  battle  by  the  Carthagenians, 
he  perished,  as  might  have  been  expected,  by  the  treason 
of  his  own  subjects. 

The  rich  Cardinal  of  Winchester,  Henry  Beaufort, 
who  procured  the  death  of  the  good  Duke  of  Gloucester, 
was  soon  after  struck  with  an  incurable  disease;  and, 
understanding  by  his  physicians,  tliat  he  could  not  live, 


of  Preserving  Health. 


175 


he  expressed  himself  thus;  "  Fye,  will  not  death  be 
hired?  will  money  do  nothing?  must  I  die  that  have  such 
great  riches?  If  the  whole  realm  of  England  would  save 
my  life,  I  am  able,  either  by  policy  to  get  it,  or  by  riches 
to  buy  it."  But  the  king  of  terrors  is  not  to  be  bribed  by 
gold;  it  is  a  pleasure  to  him  to  mix  the  brains  of  princes 
and  politicians  with  common  dust;  and  how  loth  soever 
he  was  to  depart,  yet  grim  death  would  seize  upon  him, 

How^  shocking  must  thy  summons  be,  O  death! 
To  him  that  is  at  ease  in  his  possessions; 
Who,  counting  on  long  years  of  pleasure  here, 
Is  quite  unfurnish'd  for  the  world  to  come? 
In  that  dread  moment,  how  the  frantic  soul 
Raves  round  the  walls  of  her  clay  tenement. 
Rushes  to  each  avenue,  and  shrieks  for  help, 

But  shrieks  in  vain  

 The  foe, 

Like  a  staunch  murderer,  steady  to  his  purpose. 
Pursues  him  close  through  every  lane  of  life, 
Nor  misses  once  the  track,  but  presses  on; 
Till  forc'd  at  last  to  the  tremendous  verge, 
At  once  he  sinks  to  everlasting  ruin. 

Blaib. 

The  King  of  Hungary,  being  on  a  time  very  sad,  his 
brother,  a  jolly  courtier,  would  needs  know  of  him  what 
ailed  him:  Oh,  brother,"  said  he,  1  have  been  a 
gi-eat  sinner  against  God,  and  I  fear  to  die,  and  to  appear 
before  his  tribunal."  These  are,"  said  his  brother, 
"  melancholy  thoughts,"  and  withal  made  a  jest  of  them. 
The  king  replied  nothing  for  the  present;  but  the  custom 
of  the  country  was,  if  the  executioner  came  and  sound- 
ed the  trumpet  before  any  man's  door,  he  was  presently 
to  be  led  to  execution.  The  king,  in  the  dead  time  of 


176 


Oft  Hygieine,  or  the  art 


the  night,  sent  the  heads-men  to  sound  the  trumpet 
before  his  brother's  door;  who  hearing  it,  and  seeing 
the  messengers  of  death,  runs  pale  and  trembling  in  his 
brother's  presence,  beseeching  him  to  tell  him  wherein 
he  offended.  "  Oh  brother,"  replied  the  king,  "  you 
have  never  offended  me;  but  is  the  sight  of  my  execu- 
lioners  so  dreadful?  And  shall  not  I,  that  have  greatly 
and  grievously  offended  God,  fear  not  his,  that  must 
carry  me  before  his  judgment'-seat?" 

The  best  remedy  against  this  tottering  state  of  the 
soul,  is  a  good  conscience;  which  if  a  man  want,  he 
will  tremble  in  the  midst  of  all  his  armed  guards. 

Fools!  if  you  kss  provok'd  your  fears, 
No  more  m^  spectre  form  appears. 
Death's  b-it  a  path  that  must  be  trod, 
If  man  would  ever  pass  to  God: 
A  port  of  calms,  a  state  of  ease 
From  the  rough  rage  of  swelling  seas. 

Parnell. 

The  virtuous  soul  pursues  a  nobler  aim, 

And  life  regards  but  as  a  fleeting  dream: 

She  longs  to  w^ake,  and  wishes  to  get  free, 

To  launch  from  earth  into  eternity. 

For  while  the  boundless  theme  extends  our  tlioughts, 

Ten  thousand  thousand  rolling  years  are  naught. 

Gay. 

Jerusalem  being  taken  by  the  Christians,  and  God- 
frey of  Bulloin  made  King  of  it,  the  Sultan  of  Egypt 
had  prepared  a  great  army,  either  to  besiege  it,  or  fight 
the  christians;  w  ho  perceiving  themselves  unable  to  cope 
with  so  great  a  power,  with  great  earnestness  besought 
the  assistance  of  Almighty  God;  then  full  of  courage 
went  to  meet  the  enemy.  The  barbarians  seeing  them 


of  preserving  Health. 


Ill 


approach  and  come  on  so  courageously,  who  they 
thought  would  not  have  the  confidence  so  much  as  to 
look  them  in  the  face,  that  they  never  so  much  as 
thought  of  fighting,  but  running  headlong  in  a  disorder- 
ed flight,  they  were  slain  by  the  Christians,  as  so  many 
beasts,  to  the  number  of  an  hundred  thousand. 

Thou,  to  whom  the  world  unknown 
With  all  its  shadowy  shapes  is  shown; 
Who  seest  appall'd  th'  unreal  scene. 
While  fancy  lifts  the  veil  between: 

Ah,  Fear!  ah,  frantic  Fear! 

I  see,  I  see  thee  near. 
I  know  thy  hurried  step,  thy  haggard  eye! 
Like  thee  I  start,  like  thee  disorder'd  fly. 
For  lo,  what  monsters  in  thy  train  appear. 

Collins. 

It  is  said  of  Epicurus,  a  profane  teacher,  that  never 
was  a  school  boy  more  afraid  of  a  rod,  than  he  was  of 
the  thought  of  a  God  and  death.  No  man  more  feared 
the  things  which  he  taught  should  be  despised,  than 
himself.  For  whatever  there  is  in  the  air,  there  is  cer- 
tainly an  elastical  power  in  the  conscience,  that  will  bear 
itself  up,  notwithstanding  all  the  weight  that  is  laid  upon 
!  it.  Men  may  silence  for  a  while  the  voice  of  their  own 
conscience;  but  it  will  find  a  tim^e  to  speak  so  loud  as  to 
be  heard  in  despite  of  its  owner. 

**  He  that  commits  a  sin  shall  quickly  find, 

The  pressing  guilt  lie  heavy  on  his  mind; 

Tho'  bribes  or  favours  should  assert  his  cause, 

Pronounce  him  guiltless,  and  elude  the  laws; 

None  quits  himself,  his  own  impartial  thought 

Will  damn;  and  conscience  will  record  the  fault.'" 

Z 


178 


On  Hygicine^  or  the  art 


Theodoricus,  king  of  the  Goths,  most  treacherously 
murdered  two  Roman  senators,  Symmachus  and  Boethi- 
us,  whom  he  had  induced  to  visit  him.  Not  long  after 
their  death  there  was  set  before  him  on  the  table  at  sup- 
per the  head  of  a  great  fish;  there  did  he  think  he  saw 
the  head  of  Symmachus  with  a  horrible  yawning,  and 
threatening  him  with  flaming  eyes.  Immediately,  there- . 
fore,  he  caused  himself  to  be  carried  to  bed,  a  physician 
was  sent  for,  but  could  not  help  him;  he  told  his  friends 
about  him  of  that  terrible  resemblance  of  Symmachus 
which  he  had  seen;  and  deploring  his  wicked  cruelty, 
he  soon  after  gave  up  the  ghost. 

Attains,  king  of  Pergamus,  had  slain  his  mother,  and 
also  his  wife;  for  which  he  was  so  pursued  with  divine 
vengeance  that  he  never  after  had  a  joyful  day;  laying 
aside  his  royal  ornaments,  he  put  upon  him  a  poor  and 
sordid  garment;  he  suffered  the  hair  of  his  head  and 
beard  to  grow;  he  came  not  to  show  himself  in  public 
to  the  people;  and  there  was  nothing  of  mirth  or  feasting 
at  his  court.  To  conclude,  he  was  so  terrified  with  his 
conscience,  that  yielding  up  the  government  of  his  king, 
dom,  he  betook  himself  to  the  employment  of  a  gar- 
dener, digging  up  the  earth,  and  sowing  seed  therein; 
after  this  he  passed  to  the  art  of  graving  in  brass,  and 
therein  spent  his  time.  At  last  he  purposed  to  make  a  se- 
pulchre for  his  mother;  and  being  intent  upon  the  work, 
through  the  vehement  heat  of  the  sun,  he  contracted 
a  fever,  which  terminated  his  existence  in  a  few  days. 

Catullus,  governor  of  Lybia,  fraudulently  and  unjust- 
ly put  to  death  three  thousand  Jews,  and  confiscated 
their  goods.  Not  long  after  he  fell  into  a  grievous  dis- 
ease, and  was  cruelly  tormented,  not  only  in  body  but 
also  in  mind;  for  he  was  so  greatly  terrified,  and  still 
imagined  he  saw  the  ghosts  of  them  whom  he  had  so  un- 
justly slain,  ready  to  kill  him;  so  that  he  cried  out,  and 
not  able  to  contain  himself,  leaped  out  of  his  bed,  as 
though  he  had  been  tortured  with  torments  and  fire. 


of  Preserving  Health, 


179 


And  this  disease  daily  increasing,  he  died  in  a  most 
shocking  manner. 

The  wretched  state  of  king  Richard  the  Third,  after 
he  had  murdered  his  nephews,  is  thus  described  by  sir 
Thomas  More:  "  I  have  heard, saith  he,  by  credi- 
ble reports,  that  after  this  abominable  deed  he  never  had 
quiet  in  his  mind,  and  never  thought  himself  safe.  When 
he  went  abroad,  his  eyes  whirled  about,  his  body  was 
privily  fenced,  his  hand  ever  on  his  dagger,  his  counte- 
nance and  manner  like  one  who  was  ever  ready  to  strike: 
he  took  no  rest  in  the  night,  lay  long  waking  and  mus- 
ing, sore  wearied  with  care  at  watching,  and  rather 
slumbered  than  slept,  troubled  with  fearful  dreams:  he 
sometimes  started  suddenly  up,  leaped  out  of  his  bed, 
and  ran  about  the  chamber:  his  restless  heart  was  conti- 
nually tossed  and  tumbled  with  the  tedious  impression 
and  stormy  remembrance  of  his  horrid  and  abominable 
deeds." 

Conscience,  what  art  thou?  thou  mysterious  pow'r, 

That  dost  inhabit  us  without  our  leave, 

And  art  within  ourselves  another  self, 

A  master  self,  that  loves  to  domineer, 

And  treat  the  monarch  frankly  as  the  slave; 

How  dost  thou  light  a  torch  to  distant  deeds, 

Make  the  past,  present,  and  the  future  frown: 

How,  ever  and  anon,  awake  the  soul, 

As  with  a  peal  of  thunder,  to  strange  horrors! 

Shakspeare. 

A  Pythagorean  philosopher  had  bought  a  pair  of 
shoes  of  a  coblcr;  but  having  no  money  at  present,  de- 
sired him  to  stay  for  it  till  the  morrow,  and  then  he 
Would  return  to  pay  him.  He  came  with  his  money  ac- 
cording to  agreement,  and  then  heard  that  the  cobler 
had  just  died;  he,  therefore,  without  mention  of  the 


180  On  Hygieine^  or  the  art 

tnoney,  departed  with  a  secret  joy  for  the  unexpected 
gain  he  had  made  thai  day;  but  finding  that  his  con- 
science would  not  suffer  him  to  be  quiet,  he  takes  the 
money,  goes  to  the  coblcr's  shop,  and  casting  in  the  mo- 
ney there — Go  thy  ways,"  said  he,  "  for  though  he  is 
dead  to  all  the  world  besides,  yet  he  is  alive  to  me." 

A  good  conscience  is  to  the  soul  what  health  is  to  the 
body.  It  preserves  a  constant  ease  and  serenity  within 
us,  and  more  than  countervails  all  the  calamities  and  af- 
flictions that  can  befall  us. 

When  the  mind  has  been  under  the  influence  of  sud- 
den surprise,  or  vehement  attention  to  some  interesting 
object,  it  has  frequently  suspended,  and  even  entirely 
cured  ague  and  fever,  asthma,  and  other  chronic  dis- 
eases. 

An  officer  of  great  courage,  who  had  contracted  the 
asthma  by  long  service  in  India,  declares,  that  during  a 
most  severe  attack  of  that  complaint,  when  he  could 
scarcely  breathe  in  an  erect  posture,  and  without  power 
to  move,  as  he  thought,  six  yards,  to  save  his  life,  the 
alarm  guns  were  fired  for  the  whole  line  to  turn  out,  be- 
cause  the  Marrattas  had  broke  into  the  camp.  Knowing 
that  certain  death  would  be  his  portion  if  he  remained 
in  his  tent,  he  sprung  out  with  an  alacrity  that  amazed 
his  attendants^  instantly  mountedhis  horse  ^  and  with  great 
ease  drew  his  sword,  which  the  day  before  he  could  not 
move  from  its  scabbard,  though  he  had  used  his  whole 
strength  in  the  attempt.  From  the  instant  of  the  alarm, 
the  debility  left  him,  together  with  the  asthma,  nor  did 
the  disorder  return  for  some  time  after. 

A  lady  who  was  affected  with  the  tertian  ague,  was 
so  terrified  by  the  explosion  of  a  bomb,  which  was  fired 
off  during  the  fit,  that  she  fainted  away.  Slight  cordials 
were  immediately  administered,  and  she  soon  recovered 
from  her  state  of  weakness  without  any  appearance  of 
fever,  which  had  afterwards  no  return. 


of  Preserving  Health.  181 

A  young  lady  who  had  a  quartan  ague  for  several 
months  successively,  was  invited  by  some  of  her  ac- 
quaintance  to  take  an  excursion  on  the  water,  with  a  view 
to  dissipate  the  melancholy  ideas  occasioned  by  her  ill- 
ness; but  they  had  scarcely  got  into  the  boat  when  it  be- 
gan to  sink,  and  all  were  terribly  shocked  with  the  dread 
of  perishing.  After  escaping  this  danger,  the  patient 
found  herself  cured,  and  she  had  no  return  of  the  ague. 

A  man  of  a  hot,  moist  constitution,  being  suddenly 
seized,  in  very  warm  weather,  with  an  internal  cold, 
died  within  eighteen  hours  without  the  least  agitation, 
or  any  of  the  convulsions  that  accompany  the  agony  of 
death.  His  friends,  surprised  at  so  sudden  and  fatal  an 
accident,  requested  the  physician  who  had  attended  him 
to  open  his  body,  which  he  did,  and  found  that  he  died 
of  a  mortification.  He  was  an  extraordinary  fat  subject, 
and  what  was  very  remarkable,  his  bones  were  as  small 
as  those  of  a  young  girl,  and  his  muscles  extremely 
weak,  and  rather  membranous  than  fleshy.  While  the 
physician  was  dissecting  the  body,  and  pointing  out  the 
cause  of  his  death,  a  brother  of  the  deceased,  of  a  like  ha- 
bit and  constitution,  who  had  been  absent  several  years, 
entered  the  room  of  a  sudden;  and  hearing  the  detail  of 
the  circumstances  of  his  death,  of  which  he  saw  the 
cause  in  so  extraordinary  conformation,  he  became 
speechless,  and  fell  into  a  fainting  fit,  from  which  neither 
cordials,  nor  any  other  means  employed  in  such  case, 
could  recover  him.  The  patient  seemed  to  have  neither 
pulse  nor  respiration,  his  body  all  over  was  in  a  cold 
sweat,  his  limbs  began  to  grow  stiff,  and  in  short  he  ap- 
peared to  be'  dying.  The  physician  considering  him  a 
dead  man,  observed  and  fortunately  rather  in  a  loud 
voice,    let  us  replace  the  parts  of  the  dead  body  we 
have  dissected,  and  sew  it  up;  in  the  mean  time  the  other 
will  be  quite  dead,  and  I  will  dissect  him  also."  He  had 
scarcely  uttered  these  words,  when  the  gentleman  in 
the  fainting  fit  started  up  from  the  bed,  roaring  out  pro- 
digiously loud,  snatched  up  his  cloak,  took  to  his  heels 


182 


On  Ht/gieine,  or  the  art 


as  if  nothing  had  happened  to  him;  and  since  that  time 
he  has  enjoyed  a  good  state  of  health.  |^ 

I  have  frequently  observed,  says  the  ingenious  au- 
thor of  the  Medical  Extracts,  delicate  hysterical  wo- 
men, who,  for  many  months,  had  seldom  enjoyed  one 
day's  health,  suddenly  relieved  from  every  complaint, 
when  a  favourite  child  was  attacked  with  a  disease,  in 
which  danger  was  apprehended:  and  they  continued  in 
appearance,  to  be  in  perfect  health  during  the  whole 
course  of  the  illness,  and  exhibited  an  unusual  alertness 
in  discharging  their  duty  as  nurses  and  parents.  But  when 
they  understood  that  the  danger  was  over,  their  former 
complaint  gradually  returned,  to  their  great  surprise; 
for  from  the  health  they  had  lately  enjoyed,  and  for  so 
considerable  a  time,  they  believed  themselves  perfectly 
cured. 


Through  a  most  criminal  inattention  to  children  in 
the  nursery,  a  foundation  is  sometimes  laid  in  their  ten- 
der minds  for  those  superstitious  terrors,  from  v/hicl> 
not  all  their  eftbrts  in  subsequent  life  can  entirely  re- 
lieve them.  I  allude  to  those  dismal  stories  about  witches^ 
spirits^  hobgoblins,  JRaiv-head  md  Bloody -bones ^  where- 
with silly  nurses,  especially  poor  blacks,  are  so  fond  of 
frightening  infants.  Considering  the  importance  of  deep 
impressions  made  during  those  tender  years,  parents 
cannot  too  strictly  forbid  every  thing  of  this  sort;  neither 
can  they  ever  exceed  in  their  generous  labours  to  illu- 
minate the  minds  of  their  children  with  lofty  ideas  of 
their  Creator,  and  that  mighty  power  which  he  will 
never  fail  to  exert  in  their  favour,  if  they  will  but  be 
good* 

Timorous  persons  are  more  readily  infected  by  con- 
tagious disorders,  than  those  possessed  of  fortitude. — 
Hence  it  is  we  find  nurses  most  frequently  escape  con- 
tagion, while  persons  of  a  fearful  disposition  contract  the 
disease  on  entering  the  chamber  of  the  sick  only  once 
or  twice. 


of  Preserving  Health, 


183 


Persons  under  a  violent  fit  of  fear,  should  be  treated 
like  those  who  suffer  from  any  other  spasmodic  contrac- 
tion. Tea,  a  little  wine,  or  'spirits  and  water  may  be 
given  to  them;  vinegar,  lavender-drops,  or  spirits  of 
hartshorn  may  be  held  to  the  nostrils;  warm  bathing  of 
the  feet,  and  emollient  injections  may  be  of  advantage; 
but  above  all,  the  mind  ought  to  be  duly  composed. — 
Excessive  hashfulness  borders  on  fear;  it  may  be  cor- 
rected by  social  intercourse  with  persons  of  a  cheerful 
disposition. 


OF  ANGER. 

When  reason,  like  a  skilful  charioteer, 
Can  break  the  fiery  passions  to  the  bit. 
And,  spite  of  their  licentious  sallies,  keep 
The  radiant  track  of  glory;  passions,  then, 
Are  aids  and  ornamente.  

Young. 


Resentment  of  wrong  is  a  useful  principle  in  human 
nature;  and  for  the  wisest  purposes  was  implanted  in 
our  frame.  It  is  the  necessary  guard  of  private  rights; 
and  the  great  restraint  on  the  insolence  of  the  violent, 
who,  if  no  resistance  were  made,  would  trample  on  the 
gentle  and  peaceable.  But,  in  the  fulness  of  self-estima- 
tion, we  are  too  apt  to  forget  what  we  are.  We  are  ri- 
gorous to  offences,  as  if  we  did  not  daily  entreat  heaven 
for  mercy.  It  is  a  vice  that  few  persons  are  able  to  con- 
ceal; for  if  it  do  not  betray  itself  by  external  signs,  such 
as  sudden  paleness  of  the  countenance,  and  trembling 
of  the  joints,  it  is  more  impetuous  within. 

This  headstrong  and  impetuous  affection  of  the  mind, 
is  well  described  by  some  of  the  ancients  to  be  a  short 
madness.  It  is  a  disease,  that  wheresoever  it  prevails, 
is  no  less  dangerous  than  deforming  to  us;  it  swells  the 


/ 


184 


On  Hygleiney  or  the  art 


face;  inflames  the  blood;  and  like  the  mischievous  evil 
spirit  in  the  gospel,  that  threw  the  possessed  now  into 
the  fire,  and  then  into  the  water,  it  casts  us  into  all  kind 
of  dangers,  and  frequently  hurries  us  into  the  chambers 
of  death  itself. 

Coelius,  the  orator,  was  certainly  the  most  passionate 
of  mortals;  for,  having  asked  his  client  divers  questions, 
and  he  agreeing  with  him  in  all  things  he  questioned  him 
about,  in  a  great  heat  he  cried  out  in  open  court,  *'  say 
something  contrary  to  me,  that  so  we  may  quarrel. 
How  could  he  possibly  endure  an  injury,  who  was  not 
able  to  bear  obsequiousness  itself? 

Montagne,  in  his  Essays,  gives  us  a  story  which  he 
remembered  to  be  current  when  he  was  a  boy,  of  a 
neighbouring  king,  who,  having  received  a  blow  from 
the  hand  of  God,  swore  he  would  be  revenged,  and  in 
order  to  it,  made  proclamation,  that  for  ten  years  to- 
come,  no  one  should  pray  to  him,  or  so  much  as  mention 
him  throughout  his  dominions.  By  which,"  says  he, 
"we  are  not  so  much  to  take  measure  of  the  folly,  as 
the  vain- glory  of  the  nation,  Spain,  of  which  this  tale 
was  told." 

Those  who  feel  the  approach  of  anger  in  their  mind, 
should,  as  much  as  possible,  divert  their  attention  from 
the  object  of  provocation,  and  remain  silent.  They 
should  never  use  loud  oaths,  violent  upbraidings,  or 
strong  expressions  of  countenance,  or  gesticulation:*  of 
the  arms,  or  clenched  fists;  as  these,  by  their  former  as- 
sociations with  anger,  will  contribute  to  increase  it.  I 
have  been  told,  says  Dr.  Darwin,  of  a  serjeant  or  cor- 
poral, who  began  moderately  to  cane  his  soldiers,  when 
they  were  awkward  in  their  exercise;  but  being  addicted 
to  swearing  and  coarse  language,  he  used  soon  to  en- 
rage himself  by  his  own  expressions  of  anger,  till,  to- 
ward the  end,  he  was  liable  to  beat  the  delinquents  un- 
mercifully.  Is  this  not  applicable  to  some  of  us,  in  the 
treatment  of  our  slaves? 


of  Preserving  Health, 


185 


A  gentleman  in  New- Castle  county,  Delnware,  was 
so  enragf  d  with  a  neighbouring  slave,  for  j)ersf  vei  ing, 
contrary  to  his  orders,  to  visit  a  female  servant  in  his 
family,  that  he  bought  him  of  his  master  at  a  high  price, 
for  the  express  purpose  getting  satisfaction;  that  is,  to 
give  him  a  severe  flogging,  and  then  to  sell  him  to  a  ne- 
gro-buyer. What  with  the  bitter  curses  and  blows  he 
inflicted  upon  the  poor  f  llow,  tied  hands  and  feet,  his 
anger  rose  at  length  to  a  flame  he  could  not  control; 
and,  by  the  time  the  master  had  lost  the  power  to  inflict, 
the  poor  slave  had  lost  the  power  to  sufl'er — having  li- 
terally expired  under  his  cruel  hands. 

A  sea  captain,  in  Charleston,  South  Carolina,  navi- 
gated his  vessel  with  the  help  of  three  slaves.  On  some 
provocation  from  one  of  them,  he  laid  hold  of  the  offen- 
der, who  was  so  alarmed  at  his  master's  looks,  that  he 
jerked  away  from  him.  Roused  to  fury  by  such  an  act 
of  treason,  as  this  appeared  to  him,  the  master  caught 
up  a  broad  axe,  and  with  the  looks  and  voice  of  a  demon, 

ordered  his  other  slaves  "to  seize  the  d  d  villain." 

Frightened  out  of  their  wits,  they  seized  their  fellow- 
servant,  and  the  master,  black  with  rage,  and  regardless 
of  his  prayers  and  supplications,  had  him  dragged  to  a 
block,  and  in  a  most  barbarous  manner  struck  oflf  his 
head. 

Although  th  J  laws  of  the  land  did  not  sentence  these 
inhuman  masters  to  death,  yet  neither  of  them  long  sur- 
vived their  infernal  acts.  The  gnawings  of  a  blood  ^ 
stained  conscience  soon  brought  them  down  to  the 
grave. 

A  young  gentleman  in  Augusta,  Georgia,  going  to  a 
party  in  the  neighbourhood,  in  a  gig,  had  not  got  out  of 
the  street,  before  his  horse  baulked.  The  youth,  leaping 
from  his  gig,  and  angrily  catching  his  horse  by  the 
bridle,  led  him  off".  Having  mounted  his  gig,  he  cracked 
his  whip  for  a  second  start;  bu;  his  horse  had  no:  gone 
many  steps,  before  he  ur.fortunutely  fel!  b:rk  .;gain. 
Leaping  from  the  gig  in  a  violent  rage,  he  struck  his 


186 


On  Hygieine^  or  the  art 


horse  over  the  head  with  his  loaded  whip,  and  then  at- 
tempted to  lead  him  off  once  more.  Frighted  by  such 
violence,  the  animal,  in  place  of  moving  forward,  drew 
back.  Enraged  by  snch  obstinacy,  the  young  man  re- 
peated his  blows  with  the  whip  until  it  broke,  which  ra- 
ther increased  the  perturbation  of  his  mind.  By  this  time, 
finding  himself  surrounded  by  unwelcome  spectators  of 
his  brutal  conduct,  he  became  more  furious;  and  snatch- 
ing a  large  club,  continued  his  unmerciful  blows,  until 
he  brought  the  horse  to  the  ground;  when,  after  a  few 
struggles,  his  blood  and  brains  flowing  copiously,  the 
poor  animal  expired. 

Pale  and  trembling  Anger  rushes  in, 

With  falt'ring  speech,  and  eyes  that  wildly  stare; 

Fierce  as  the  tiger,  madder  than  the  seas. 

Desperate,  and  armed  with  more  than  human  strength. 

He  whom  Anger  stings,  drops,  if  he  dies, 

At  once,  and  rushes  apoplectic  down; 

Or  a  fierce  fever  hurries  him  to  hell. 

Armstrong, 

A  gentleman  being  greatly  incensed  against  his  ser- 
vant, drew  his  sword  cane  with  intentioj|of  running  him 
through  his  body.  Two  or  three  of  his  friends  being 
present,  laid  hold  of  the  gentleman,  and  took  away  the 
sword,  that  he  might  not  pollute  his  hands  with  the  blood 
of  his  servant.  While  he  was  thus  in  their  hands,  the 
gentleman,  through  extreme  anger,  fell  into  an  apoplexy, 
which  terminated  his  existence. 

Victor  Pisanus,  the  Venetian  admiral,  famous  for  his 
exploits,  understanding  that  his  vice-admiral,  through 
cowardice,  had  suffered  ten  ships  of  the  Genoese  to  es- 
cape out  of  the  Sipontine  haven,  fell  into  such  a  passion 
as  put  him  immediately  into  a  fever,  whereof  he  died. 


of  Preserving  Health. 


187 


Solomon,  sensible  of  the  destructive  tendencies  of 
ungovernable  passions,  says,  "  Wrath  slayeth  the  angry 
man,  and  envy  killeth  the  silly  one;  and  that  the  wicked 
shall  not  live  out  half  their  days."  For,  as  violent  gales 
of  wind  will  soon  wreck  the  strongest  ships,  so  violent 
passions  will  soon  destroy  the  best  constitutions.  And, 
one  unquiet  disposition  distempers  the  whole  peace  of  a 
family  or  society,  as  one  jarring  instrument  will  spoil  a 
whole  concert.  There  is  no  man  obliged  to  live  so  free 
from  passion,  as  not  in  some  cases  to  show  some  resent- 
ment, so  that  the  injurer  may  not  be  encouraged  to  com- 
mit a  second  injury;  but  this  should  be  done  in  a  cool 
and  deliberate  manner,  and  to  carry  with  it  nothing  like 
revenge.  It  was  a  good  method  observed  by  Socrates; 
when  he  found  in  himself  any  disposition  to  anger,  he 
would  check  it  by  speaking  low,  in  opposition  to  the 
motions  of  his  displeasure. 

The  angry  man  is  his  own  severest  tormentor;  his 
breast  knows  no  peace,  while  his  raging  passions  are  re- 
strained by  no  sense  of  either  moral  or  religious  duties. 

To  prove  that  passion  is  exorbitant  in  its  demrinds, 
what  proportion,  for  instance,  is  there  between  the  life  of 
a  man,  and  an  affront  received,  or  supposed  to  be  given 
by  some  unguarded  expression.  How  fantastic,  then, 
how  unjustifiable,  are  those  supposed  laws  of  modern 
honour,  which,  for  such  an  a/front,  requires  no  less  re- 
parat!bn  than  the  death  of  a  fellow  creature;  and  which, 
to  obtain  this  reparation,  requires  a  man  to  endanger  his 
own  life?  Laws  which,  as  they  have  no  foundation  in 
reason,  never  received  the  least  sanction  from  any  wise 
or  polished  nations  of  antiquity,  but  were  devised  in  the 
darkest  ages  of  the  world,  and  are  derived  to  us  from 
the  ferocious  barbarity  of  Goths  and  Vandals.  Who  is 
there,  were  he  to  behold  his  enemy  during  that  conflict 
which  human  nature  must  suffer  at  the  last,  but  must 
feel  relentings  at  that  enmity  which  hath  deprived  ano- 
ther of  existence? 

"  There  is  the  man  with  whom  I  contended,  silent  and 
mute  forever!  How  poor  is  the  advantage  which  I  now 
enjoy!  He  is  fallen,  and  I  am  about  to  follow  him!  In  a 


188 


On  Hygieine,  or  the  art 


short  time  we  shall  be  laid  together!  Had  he  not  -his  vir- 
lues  and  good  qtialities  as  well  as  I?  When  we  shall 
both  appear  before  the  judgment  seat  of  God,  shall  I 
be  found  innocent  and  free  of  blame  for  all  the  enmity  I 
have  borne  to  him?" 

My  friends,  let  the  anticipation  of  such  sentiments 
serve  now  to  cool  the  heat  of  anger,  and  allay  the  fierce- 
nebJi  of  resentment.  Let  us  look  upon  this  world  as  a 
state  Oi  trial.  Elevated  by  such  sentiments,  our  minds 
will  become  calm  and  sedate.  We  shall  look  down,  as 
from  a  superior  station,  on  ihe  petty  strifes  of  this  world. 
They  are  the  selfish,  the  sensual,  and  the  vain,  who  are 
most  subject  to  the  undue  influence  of  passion.  They 
are  linked  so  closely  to  die  world,  by  so  many  sides  they 
touch  every  object,  and  every  person  aro\md  them,  that 
thty  are  perpetually  hurt,  and  perpetually  hurting  others. 
B'»t  the  spirit  of  true  religion  removes  us  to  a 
a  proper  distance  from  the  grating  objects  of  worldly 
contention.  It  leaves  us  suffix  iently  connected  with  the 
world,  for  acting  our  part  in  it  with  propriety;  but  dis- 
engages us  from  it  so  far  as  to  weaken  its  power  of  dis- 
turbing our  tranquillity.  It  inspires  magnanimity;  and 
magnanimiiy  always  breathes  gentleness.  It  leads  us  to 
view  the  follies  of  men  with  pity,  and  not  with  rancour; 
and  to  treat,  with  the  mildness  of  a  superior  nature, 
what,  in  little  minds,  would  call  forth  all  the  bitterness 
of  passion. 

Every  man  knows  how  to  row  in  a  calm;  and  an  in- 
different pilot  will  serve  to  direct  the  course  of  a  ship 
when  the  season  is  quiet  and  serene;  but  the  conduct  of 
that  governor  is  most  praise- worthy,  who  knows  how 
to  steer  his  vessel  aright  when  the  winds  are  enraged, 
and  a  furious  tempest  has  put  the  tumultuous  waves 
into  a  vehement  commotion.  In  like  manner,  it  is  small 
commendation  to  appear  mild,  when  nothing  is  said  or 
done  to  displease  us;  but  to  repress  our  rising  passions, 
and  to  keep  down  our  resentments  in  the  midst  of  inju- 
rious provocations,  is  a  victory  greater  and  more  deser- 
ving of  praise,  than  perhaps  the  greatest  conquerors 
ever  merited. 


#/'  Preserving  HealtJu 


189 


Forgiveness  of  injuries,  and  a  merciful  disposition 
towards  those  who  have  offended  us,  is  not  only  an  in- 
fallible mark  of  a  great  and  noble  mind,  but  it  is  our 
indispensable  duty  as  reasonable  creatures,  and  peculi- 
arly so  as  Christians. 

Gaston,  Marquis  de  Renty,  an  illustrious  nobleman, 
was  a  soldier  and  a  Christian:  and  had  a  peculiar  felicity 
to  reconcile  the  seeming  opposition  between  those  cha- 
racters. He  had  a  command  in  the  French  army,  and 
had  the  misfortune  to  receive  a  challenge  from  a  person 
of  distinction  in  the  same  service.  The  marquis  re- 
turned for  answer,  that  he  was  ready  to  convince  the 
gentleman  he  was  in  the  wrong;  or,  if  he  could  not  con- 
vince him,  was  as  ready  to  ask  his  pardon.  The  other, 
not  satisfied  with  this  reply,  insisted  upon  his  meeting 
him  with  the  sword;  to  which  the  marquis  sent  this  an- 
swer: that  he  was  resolved  not  to  do  it,  since  God  and 
his  king  had  forbidden  it;  otherwise,  he  would  have  him 
know  that  all  the  endeavours  he  had  used  to  pacify  him, 
did  not  proceed  from  any  fear  of  him,  but  of  Almighty 
God,  and  his  displeasure:  that  he  should  go  every  day 
about  his  usual  business,  and  if  he  did  assault  him,  he 
would  make  him  repent  it.  The  angry  man,  not  able  to 
provoke  the  marquis  to  a  duel,  and  meeting  him  one 
day  by  chance,  drew  his  sword  and  attacked  him:  the 
marquis  soon  wounded  and  disarmed  both  him  and  his 
second,  with  the  assistance  of  a  servant  who  attended 
him.  But  then  did  this  truly  Christian  nobleman  show  the 
difference  betwixt  a  brutish  and  a  Christian  courage;  for, 
leading  them  to  his  tent,  he  refreshed  them  with  wine 
and  cordials,  caused  their  wounds  to  be  dressed,  and 
their  swords  to  be  restored  to  them;  then  dismissed 
them  with  Christian  and  friendly  advice,  and  was  never 
heard  to  mention  the  affair  afterwards,  even  to  his  near- 
est friends.  It  was  a  usual  saying  with  this  great  man, 
that  there  was  more  true  courage  and  generosity  in  bear- 
ing and  forgiving  an  injury,  for  the  love  of  God,  than  in 
requiting  it  with  another:  in  suffering,  rather  tharu  re- 
venging; because  the  thing  was  really  more  difficult: 


190 


On  Hygieine,  or  the  art 


adding,  that  bulls  and  bears  had  courage  enough,  but 
it  was  a  brutal  courage;  whereas,  that  of  men  should  be 
such  as  became  rational  beings  and  Christians. 

A  quarrel  having  arisen  between  a  celebrated  gentle- 
man in  the  literary  world,  and  one  of  his  acquaintance, 
the  latter  heroically,  and  no  less  laconically,  concluded 
a  letter  to  the  former,  on  the  subject  of  the  dispute,  with, 
**  I  have  a  life  at  your  service,  if  you  dare  to  take  it." 
To  which  the  other  replied,  "  You  say  you  have  a  life 
at  my  service,  if  I  dare  to  take  it.  I  must  confess  to  you, 
that  I  dare  not  take  it.  I  thank  my  God  that  I  have  not 
the  courage  to  take  it.  But  though  I  own  that  I  am  afraid 
to  deprive  you  of  your  life,  yet,  Sir,  permit  me  to  as- 
sure you,  that  I  am  equally  thankful  to  the  Almighty 
Being,  for  mercifully  bestowing  on  me  sufficient  reso- 
lution, if  attacked,  to  defend  my  own."  This  unex- 
pected kind  of  reply  had  the  proper  effect:  it  brought 
the  madman  back  again  to  reason;  friends  intervened, 
and  the  affair  was  compromised. 

Sir  Walter  Raleigh,  a  man  of  known  courage  and 
honour,  being  very  injuriously  treated  by  a  hot-headed, 
rash  youth,  who  next  proceeded  to  challenge  him,  and, 
on  his  refusal  to  accept,  spit  upon  him,  and  that  too  in 
public,  the  knight,  taking  out  his  handkerchief,  with 
great  calmness,  made  him  only  this  reply:  Young  man, 
if  I  could  as  easily  wipe  your  blood  from  my  consci- 
ence, as  I  can  this  injury  from  my  face,  I  would  this 
moment  take  away  your  life."  The  consequence  was, 
that  the  youth,  struck  with  a  sudden  and  strong  sense 
of  his  misbehaviour,  fell  upon  his  knees,  and  begged 
forgiveness.  ||| 

There  was  an  uncivil  fellow  that  did  nothing  all  the  i 
day  long  but  rail  against  Pericles,  the  famous  Athenian, 
in  the  market  place,  and  before  all  the  people:  and 
though  Pericles  was  at  that  time  the  public  magistrate, 
ye^  he  took  no  notice  of  it,  and  all  the  while  dispatched  j| 
sundry  matters  of  importance,  till  night  came;  and  then,  1 


of  Preserving  Health 


191 


with  a  sober  pace,  went  home  towards  his  house,  this 
varlet  following  him  ail  the  way  with  abuse.  Pericles, 
when  he  came  to  his  house,  it  being  dark,  called  to  his 
man,  and  bade  him  light  the  fellow  home,  lest,  it  being 
night,  he  should  lose  his  way. 

When  Xenocrates  came  one  time  to  the  house  of  Pla- 
to to  visit  him,  he  prayed  him,  "  that  he  would  beat  his 
servant  for  him,  in  regard  he  himself  was  not  at  present 
so  fit  to  do  it,  because  he  was  in  a  passion."  Another 
time  he  said  to  one  of  his  servants,  "  that  he  would  beat 
him  sufficiently,  bui  that  he  was  angry." 

King  Robert  was  one  of  the  greatest  kings  that  ever 
wore  the  crown  of  France.  He  once  surprised  a  rogue 
who  had  cut  away  half  of  his  cloak,  furred  with  ermine, 
to  whom  he  did  no  further  evil,  but  only  said  mildly  to 
him,  "Save  thyself,  and  leave  the  rest  for  another  who 
may  have  need  of  it." 

Casimir  was  duke  of  the  Sendorainians,  a  potent 
prince,  and  afterwards  king  of  Poland:  being  on  a  time 
in  a  humour  to  divert  himself,  he  called  to  him  one  Jo- 
hannes Cornarius,  a  knight,  and  his  domestic  servant, 
inviting  him  to  play  at  dice;  they  did  so,  and  fortune  was 
equally  favourable:  and  so,  that  having  spent  much  time 
in  gaining  little  upon  each  other,  and  it  being  grown 
far  in  the  night,  it  was  agreed  to  set  the  whole  sum  in 
controversy  upon  one  single  cast  of  the  die.  Casimir 
proved  fortunate,  and  won  all  the  4lioney.  Johannes, 
displeased,  and  incensed  with  his  bad  fortune,  in  the 
heat  of  his  impatience  falls  upon  the  prince,  and  with 
his  fist  struck  him  over  the  mouth.  It  was  a  capital 
crime  for  the  servant  to  strike  his  lord,  and  the  same 
also  his  prince:  but  though  all  present  were  incensed  at 
this  insufferable  action,  yet  he  escaped  by  the  benefit  of 
the  night,  but  was  seized  in  the  morning,  brought  back, 
and  set  in  the  presence  of  Casimir,  to  receive  his  sen- 
tence. He  having  well  weighed  the  matter,  broke  into 
this  wise  speech.  **  My  friends,  this  man  is  less  guilty 


192 


On  Hygieine^  or  the  art 


than  myself:  nay,  whatever  ill  is  done,  is  on  my  part. 
Heat  and  sudden  passion,  which  sometimes  oversways 
even  wise  men,  did  transport  him,  and  moved  both  his 
mind  and  hand  to  do  as  he  did.  But  why  did  I  give  the 
cause?  Why,  unmindful  of  my  own  dignity,  did  I  play 
%vith  him  as  my  fqual?  And,  therefore,  Johannes,  take 
not  only  thy  pardon,  but  my  thanks  too:  by  a  profitable 
correction  thou  hast  taught  me,  that  hereafter  I  should 
do  nothing  unworthy  of  a  prince,  but  retain  myself  with- 
in the  just  limits  of  decency  and  gravity."  This  said, 
he  freely  dismissed  him. 

Arcadius,  an  Argive,  never  gave  over  reviling  king 
Philip  of  Macedon,  abusing  him  with  the  most  re- 
proachful terms;  and  arrived  at  last  to  that  bold  impu- 
dence, as  to  give  him  this  kind  of  public  warning: 

So  far  to  fly,  until  he  hither  came, 

Where  no  man  knew  or  heard  of  Philip's  name. 

This  man  was  afterwards  seen  in  Macedonia.  Then  the 
friends  and  courtiers  of  king  Philip  gave  him  informa- 
tion thereof,  moving  him  to  inflict  some  severe  punish- 
ment upon  him,  and  in  no  case  to  sufi'er  him  to  escape 
his  hands.  But  Philip,  on  the  contrary,  having  this  railer 
in  his  power,  s])ake  gently  unto  him,  used  iiim  courte- 
ously and  familiarly,  sent  unto  him  in  his  lodging  gifts 
and  presents,  and  so  sent  him  away  in  safety.  After- 
wards, he  commanded  those  couriiers  who  had  incited 
him  against  hmij|ito  inquire  what  words  this  man  gave 
out  of  him  amongst  the  Greeks.  They  made  report 
again,  and  told  him,  that  he  was  become  a  new  man, 
and  ceased  not  to  speak  wonderful  things  in  praise  of 
him.  "  Look  you,  then,"  said  Philip  unto  them,  am 
not  I  a  better  physician  than  all  you?  and  am  not  I 
more  skilled  in  the  cure  of  a  foul-mouthed  fellow  than 
the  best  of  you?" 

Clinias,  the  Pythagorean,  was  a  person  very  diflferent 
both  in  his  life  and  manners  from  other  men.  If  itchan- 


of  Preserving  Health. 


193 


ced  at  any  time  that  he  was  influenced  with  anger,  he 
would  take  his  harp,  play  upon  and  sing  to  it;  saying,  as 
oft  as  he  was  asked  the  cause  of  his  so  doing,  **  that  by 
this  means  he  found  himself  reduced  to  the  temper  of 
his  former  mildness." 

There  is  a  charm,  a  power  that  sways  the  breast, 
Bids  every  passion  revel  or  be  still; 
Inspires  with  rage,  or  all  your  cares  dissolves; 
Can  soothe  distraction,  and  almost  despair: 
That  power  is  Music.  

Armstrong. 

While  the  physician  prescribes  draughts  for  curing 
bodily  diseases,  an  able  musician  might  prescribe  an  air 
for  rooting  out  a  vicious  passion. 

Asclepiades,  a  noble  physician,  as  often  as  he  had 
frenetic  patients,  or  such  as  were  unhinged,  or  evil  af- 
fected in  their  minds,  did  make  use  of  nothing  so  much 
for  the  cure  of  them,  and  restoration  of  the  health,  as 
music  and  sweet  harmony  of  voices. 

At  such  time  as  the  tyrant  Eugenius  raised  that  pe- 
rilous  war  in  the  East,  and  that  money  grew  short  with 
the  emperor  Theodosius,  he  determined  to  raise  subsi- 
dies, and  to  gather  from  all  parts  more  than  before  he 
had  ever  done;  the  citizens  of  Antioch  bore  this  ex- 
action with  so  ill  a  will,  that  after  they  had  uttered 
many  outrageous  words  against  the  emperor,  they  pull- 
ed down  his  statues  and  those  also  of  the  empress 
his  wife.  A  while  after,  when  the  heat  of  their  fury 
was  past,  they  began  to  repent  themselves  of  their 
folly,  and  considered  into  what  danger  they  had  cast 
themselves  and  their  city.  Then  did  they  curse  their 
rashness,  confess  their  fault,  implore  the  goodness  of 
God,  and  with  tears,  "  that  it  would  please  him  to 
calm  the  emperor's  heart."  Their  supplications  and 
prayers  were  solemnly  sung,  with  sorrowful  tunes  and 

2B 


194 


On  Hygieine^  or  the  art 


lamenting  voices.  Their  bishop,  Fhivianus,  employ- 
ed himself  valiantly,  in  this  needful  time,  in  behalf 
of  the  city;  made  a  journey  to  Theodosius,  and  did 
his  utmost  to  appease  him:  but  fiuding  himself  re- 
jected, and  knowing  that  the  emperor  was  devising 
some  grievous  punishment;  and  on  the  other  side,  not 
having  the  boldness  to  speak  again,  and  yet  much 
troubled  in  his  thoughts  because  of  his  people,  then 
came  this  device  into  his  head:  At  such  time  as  the 
emperor  sat  at  meat,  certain  young  boys  were  wont 
to  sing  musically  unto  him.  Flavianus  wrought  so, 
that  he  obtained  of  those  that  had  charge  of  the  boys, 
that  they  would  sufter  them  to  sing  the  supplications 
and  prayer  of  the  city  of  Antioch.  Theodosius,  lis- 
tening to  that  grave  music,  was  so  moved  with  it,  and 
so  touched  with  compassion,  that  having  then  the  cup 
in  his  hand,  he  with  his  warm  tears  watered  the  wine 
that  was  in  it,  and  forgetting  all  his  conceived  displea- 
sure against  the  Antiochans,  freely  pardoned  them  and 
their  city. 

Concerning  the  efficacy  and  power  of  music,  I  am 
desirous,  says  the  Rev.  Nathaniel  Wanley,  to  set  down 
what  I  myself  saw  practised  upon  Madame  de  la  March, 
a  gentlewoman  near  to  Garet,  young,  virtuous,  and  pas- 
sable for  beauty,  who  upon  report  of  her  husband's  in- 
clination to  change,  and  inconstant  affections,  fell  into 
such  a  fury,  that  on  the  sudden  she  would  throw  herself 
into  the  fire,  or  out  of  the  window,  or  into  a  fish-pond 
near  her  house,  out  of  which  she  had  been  twice  rescu- 
ed, and  so  was  more  diligently  kept.  The  physicians  at- 
tended her  to  no  purpose,  notwithstanding  all  their  en- 
deavours; but  a  Capuchin  passing  that  way  to  crave 
alms,  and  hearing  what  had  befallen  her,  advised  that 
some  skilful  and  experienced  person  on  the  lute  should 
continue  to  play  by  her;  and  that  in  the  night  some  plea- 
sing ditties  should  consort  with  the  music:  it  w^as  ac- 
cordingly performed,  and  in  less  than  three  months  the 
violent  passion  forsook  her,  and  she  remained  sound 
both  in  body  and  mind. 


of  Preserving  Health, 


195 


Music  exalts  each  jo}:,  allays  each  ^rief, 
Expels  diseases,  softens  every  pain, 
Subdues  the  rage  of  poison,  and  the  plague; 
And  hence  the  wise  of  ancient  days  ador'd 
One  power  of  Physic — Melody  and  Song. 

Armstrong. 

"When  Apollonius  was  inquisitive  of  Canus,  a  Rhodi- 
an  musician,  "  what  he  could  do  with  his  instrument?" 
he  told  him,  that  "  he  could  make  a  melancholy  man 
merry,  and  him  that  was  merry  much  merrier  than  he 
was  before;  a  lover  more  enamoured;  and  a  religious 
man  more  devout." 

Timotheus,  a  Milesian,  was  so  excellently  skilled  in 
music,  that  when  he  played  and  sung  a  song  composed 
in  honour  of  Pallas,  in  the  presence  of  Alexander  the 
Great,  the  prince,  as  one  transported  with  th^  gallantry 
and  martial  humour  of  the  air,  started  up,  and  being 
stirred  in  every  part,  called  for  his  armour;  but  then 
again  the  musician  changing  into  more  sedate  and  calm- 
er notes,  sounding  as  it  were  a  retreat,  the  prince  also 
sat  quiet  and  still. 

What  shall  we  say  of  Stradilla,  the  celebrated  compo- 
ser, whose  music  made  the  daggers  drop  from  the  hands 
of  his  assassins!  Stradilla  having  carried  off  the  mistress 
of  a  Venetian  musician,  and  retired  with  her  to  Rome, 
the  Venetian  hired  three  desperadoes  to  assassinate  him; 
^but  fortunately  for  Stradilla  they  had  an  ear  sensible  to 
harmony.  These  assassins,  while  waiting  for  a  favour- 
able opportunity  to  execute  their  purpose,  entered  the 
church  of  St.  John  de  Lateran,  during  the  performance- 
of  an  oratorio,  composed  by  the  person  whom  they  in- 
tended to  destroy,  and  were  so  affected  by  the  music  that 
they  abandoned  their  design,  and  even  waited  on  the 
musician  to  forewarn  him  of  his  danger. 


196 


On  Hygieine,  or  the  art 


OF  HATRED. 

Infernal  Malice,  inly  pining  Hate, 
And  Envy  grievinj^  at  another's  state; 
When  these  are  in  the  human  bosom  nurst. 
Can  peace  reside  in  dwellings  so  accurst? 

Hamilton. 

Hatred  is  a  Fury  that  never  sleeps;  it  ulcerates  the 
soul,  and  tortures  it  throughout.  Hence  it  never  fails  to 
injure  the  body. 

As  admiration,  the  first  of  the  passions,  rises  in  the 
soul  before  she  has  considered  whether  the  thing  repre- 
sented to  her  be  good,  or  convenient  to  her,  or  not;  so, 
after  she  has  judged  it  to  be  good,  there  is  raised  in  her 
the  most  agreeable  and  complacent  of  all  passions.  Love; 
and  when  she  hath  conceived  the  same  to  be  evil,  she 
is  quickly  moved  to  Hatred,  which  is  nothing  but  the 
soul's  aversion  to  that  which  threatens  pain  or  grief,  and 
may  be  defined  to  be  "  a  commotion  produced  by  the 
spirits,  that  inciteth  the  soul  to  be  willing  to  be  separa- 
ted from  objects  that  are  represented  to  her  as  ungrateful 
and  hurtful;"  which  definition  only  respects  pure  na- 
ture; but  through  the  corruption  of  men  and  manners, 
it  may  be  said  to  arise  from  an  imbibed  prejudice,  or 
envy  aggravated  by  continuance,  and  heightened  by  a 
malicious  intention  of  malignancy,  and  injuring  the  per- 
sons to  whom  we  have  a  disaffection,  and  that  two  with- 
out any  reason  but  what  proceeds  from  a  self-contracted 
wickedness.  Anger  is  sometimes  allowable,  and  when, 
excessive,  is  still  called  but  the  vice  of  men;  but  hatred 
is  said  to  be  the  sin  of  devils,  being  not  confined  at 
home,  but  roves  abroad,  seeking  whom  it  may  devour, 

Timon,  the  Athenian,  had  the  surname  of  Man-hater: 
he  was  once  very  rich,  but  through  his  liberality  and 
over- great  bounty,  was  reduced  to  extreme  poverty;  in 
which  condition  he  had  large  experience  of  the  malice 


of  Preserving  Health.  197 


and  ingratitude  of  such  as  he  had  formerly  served;  he, 
therefore,  fell  into  a  vehement  hatred  of  mankind;  was 
glad  of  all  their  misfortunes,  and  promoted  the  ruin  of 
all  men  as  far  as  he  might  with  his  own  safety.  When 
the  people,  in  honour  of  Alcibiades,  attended  on  him 
home,  as  they  used  when  he  had  obtained  a  cause,  Ti- 
mon  would  not,  as  he  used  to  others,  turn  aside  out  of 
the  way,  but  met  him  on  purpose,  and  said,  Go  on, 
my  son,  and  prosper,  for  thou  shalt  one  day  plague  all 
these  with  some  signal  calamity."  He  built  him  a  house 
in  the  fields  that  he  might  shun  the  converse  of  men. 
He  admitted  to  him  only  one  Apemantus,  a  person 
much  of  his  own  humour,  and  he  saying  to  him,  "  Is 
not  this  a  fine  supper?"  "  It  would,"  said  he,  be  much 
better  if  thou  wert  absent."  Timon  gave  orders  that  his 
sepulchre  should  be  set  behind  a  dunghill,  and  this  to 
be  his  epitaph: 

Here  now  I  lie,  after  my  wretched  fall; 
Ask  not  my  name,  the  gods  destroy  you  all. 

Mison  was  of  like  manners  with  Timon,  and  had  his 
name  from  the  hatred  he  had  to  all  men:  whenever  he 
was  conversant  among  men,  he  was  always  sad:  but 
when  he  was  in  any  solitude,  or  place  by  himself,  he 
was  used  to  laugh  and  rejoice.  Being  asked  why  he 
laughed  when  nobody  was  present?  "  For  that  very 
reason,"  said  he. 

When  Sigismund,  Marquis  Brandenburgh,  had  ob- 
tained the  kingdom  of  Hungary  in  right  of  his  wife,  it 
then  appeared  there  was  a  mortal  hatred  betwixt  the 
Hungarians  and  Bohemians;  for  when  Sigismund  com- 
manded  Stephanus  Konth,  and  with  him  twenty  more 
Hungarian  knights,  to  be  taken  and  brought  beforfe  him 
in  chains,  as  persons  that  had  declined  the  obedience 
they  owed  him,  not  one  of  all  these  would  name  or  ho- 
nour him  in  the  least  as  their  king;  and  before  either  they 
or  their  servants  would  change  their  minds,  they  were 


198 


On  Hygieine^  or  the  art 


desirous  to  lose  their  heads.  Among  the  servants  was 
Chiotz;?,  the  page  of  Stephanus>  who  sadly  bewailed 
the  death  of  his  master;  and  whereas,  by  reason  of  his 
tender  age,  the  king  made  him  divers  promises;  and  to 
comfort  him,  told  him,  ''that  he  would  take  him  as  a 
servant  about  his  own  person;"  Chiotza,  with  a  trou- 
bled countenance,  and  in  terms  that  testified  at  once 
both  anger  and  hatred,  replied,  that  he  would  never 
subject  himself  to  the  service  of  a  Bohemian  swine;" 
and  in  this  obstinacy  of  mind  he  died. 

Cato,  the  censor,  bore  such  a  hatred  to  the  female  sex, 
that  it  was  his  common  saying,  that  if  the  world  was 
without  women,  the  conversation  of  men  would  not  be 
exempt  from  the  company  of  the  gods." 

Hyppolitus  was  also  of  the  same  complexion,  as  he 
expresses  himself  in  Seneca: 

I  hate,  fly,  curse,  detest  them  all: 
Call't  reason,  nature,  madness,  as  you  please; 
In  a  true  hatred  of  them  there's  some  ease. 
First  shall  the  water  kindly  dwell  with  fire, 
Dread  Syrtis  be  the  mariner's  desire: 
Out  of  the  west  shall  be  the  break  of  day, 
And  rabid  wolves  with  tender  lambkins  play, 
Before  a  woman  gain  my  conquered  mind, 
To  quit  this  hatred,  and  to  grow  more  kihd. 

Vv^hen  the  emperor  Frederick  had  newly  obtained  a 
most  signal  victory  in  Hungary,  he  made  a  speech  to 
his  soldiers,  whereof  this  was  a  part:  "  We  have  done," 
said  he,  "  a  great  work,  and  yet  there  is  a  greater  that 
still  remains  for  us  to  do;  which  is,  to  overcome  our- 
selves, and  put  an  end  at  once  to  our  covetousness,  and 
the  desire  of  revenge."  Thus  great  and  generous  souls 
are  ever  found  to  be  the  most  placable,  and  are  easiest 


of  Preserving  Health. 


199 


.appeased;  while  the  weak  and  fearful  are  guilty  of  the 
greatest  barbarities,  as  not  knowing  how  to  allot  any 
nieasure  or  bounds  to  their  anger. 

A  certain  Italian,  having  his  enemy  in  his  power,  told 
him  there  was  no  possible  way  for  him  to  save  his  life, 
unless  he  would  immediately  deny  and  renounce  his  Sa- 
viour. The  timorous  wretch,  in  hope  of  mercy,  did  it; 
when  ihe  other,  forthwith,  stabbed  him  to  the  heart, 
saying  that  now  he  had  a  full  revenge,  for  he  had  killed 
at  once  both  his  body  and  soul. 

In  the  Isle  of  Majorca,  there  was  a  lord  of  a  castle, 
who,  amongst  others,  kept  a  negro  slave;  and,  for  some 
fault  of  his,  had  beaten  him  with  severity.  The  villain 
]\Ioor,  watching  his  opportunity,  when  his  master  and 
the  rest  were  absent,  shut  the  door  against  him,  and,  at 
his  return,  thus  acted  his  revenge:  while  his 'master 
stood  without,  demanding  entrance,  he  reviled  him,  vio- 
lated his  lady,  threw  her  and  two  of  his  children  out 
of  the  castle  window,  and  stood  ready  to  do  the  like 
with  the  third  and  youngest  child.  The  miserable  father, 
who  had  beheld  the  ruin  of  all  his  family  but  this  one, 
begged  of  his  slave  to  save  the  life  of  that  little  one; 
which  the  cruel  slave  refused,  unless  he  would  cut  off 
his  own  nose.  The  fond  parent  accepted  the  condition, 
and  had  no  sooner-performed  it,  than  the  bloody  villain 
first  cast  the  infant  down  headlong,  and  then  himself,  in 
a  barbarous  bravery,  thereby  to  elude  the  vengeance  of 
his  abused  master. 

As  I  went  from  Rome  with  my  company,  says  Came- 
rarius,  passing  through  the  marquisate  of  Ancona,  we 
were  to  go  through  a  city  called  Terni.  As  we  entered 
the  city,  we  saw  over  the  gate,  upon  a  high  tower,  a 
certain  tablet,  to  which  were  fastened,  as  at  first  it 
seemed  to  us,  a  great  many  bats  or  reer-mice;  we,  think- 
ing it  a  strange  sight,  and  not  knowing  w^hat  it  meant, 
one  of  the  city,  whom  we  asked,  told  us  thus:  *'  There 
was,"  said  he,  "  in  this  city,  two  noble,  rich,  and  mighty 


200 


On  Hygieine^  or  the  art 


houses,  which  for  a  long  time  bore  an  irreconcileablc 
hatred  one  against  the  other;  their  malice  passed  from 
father  to  son,  as  it  were,  by  inheritance,  by  occasion  of 
which  many  of  both  houses  were  slain  and  murdered. 
At  last,  the  one  house,  not  many  years  since,  resolved 
to  stand  no  more  upon  murdering  one  or  two  of  the  ad- 
verse party  by  surprise,  but  to  run  upon  them  all  at 
once,  and  not  to  leave  one  of  them  alive.  This  bloody 
family  secretly  gathered  together,  out  of  the  country 
adjoining,  with  their  servants,  and  such  other  bravoes 
as  many  Italians  keep  in  pay  to  employ  in  the  execution 
of  their  revenges;  these  were  privily  armed,  and  had 
notice  to  be  ready  at  a  word.  About  midnight  they  seize 
upon  the  person  of  the  governor  of  the  city,  and  leaving 
guards  in  his  house,  go  on  silently  to  the  house  of  their 
enemy,  disposing  troops  at  the  end  of  every  street. 
About  ten  of  them  take  the  governor  in  the  midst  of 
them,  as  if  they  had  been  the  archers  of  his  guard, 
whom  they  compelled,  by  setting  a  poignard  to  his 
throat,  to  command  speedy  entrance.  He  caused  the 
doors  to  be  opened;  they,  seeing  the  governor  there, 
made  no  refusal;  which  done,  they  call  their  accompli- 
ces that  stood  not  far  olF,  put  the  governor  into  safe- 
keeping, enter,  and  kill  man,  woman,  and  child,  and 
the  very  horses  in  the  stable.  That  done,  they  forced 
the  governor  to  command  the  city  gates  to  be  opened, 
and  so  they  departed,  and  dispersed  into  private  places 
amongst  their  friends;  some  fled  to  the  next  sea-ports, 
and  got  far  off;  but  such  as  staid  near,  were  so  diligently 
searched  for,  that  they  were  found,  drawn  out  of  their 
holes,  and  put  to  death  with  grievous  tortures;  after, 
which,  their  hands  and  feet  being  cut  off,  were  nailed  to 
the  tablet,"  saith  he,  "  which  you  saw  as  you  came 
along,  as  a  lesson  to  posterity.  The  sun  having  broiled 
those  limbs  so  fastened,  makes  travellers,  that  know^ 
nothing  of  the  tragedy,  suppose  they  are  reer-mice." 

In  the  year  1506,  in  Lisbon,  upon  the  tenth  day  of 
April,  many  of  the  city  went  to  the  church  of  St.  Do- 
minick,  to  hear  mass:  on  the  left  side  of  the  church 


of  Preserving  Health.  201 

there  is  a  chapel,  much  reverenced  by  those  of  the 
country,  and  called  Jesus'  Chapel.  Upon  the  altar  there 
stands  a  crucifix,  the  wound  of  whose  side  is  covered 
with  a  piece  of  glass.  Some  of  those  that  came  thither 
to  do  their  devotions,  casting  their  eyes  upon  this  hole, 
it  seemed  to  them  that  a  kind  of  glimmering  light  came 
forth  from  it:  then  happy  he  that  could  first  cry  a  mi- 
racle; and  every  one  said  that  "  God  showed  the  tes- 
timonies of  his  presence."  A  Jew,  that  was  but  lately 
become  a  Christian  there,  denied  that  it  was  any  mi- 
racle, saying,  It  was  not  likely  that  out  of  a  dry  piece 
of  wood  there  should  come  such  a  light."  Now,  albeit 
many  of  the  standers-by  doubted  of  the  miracle,  yet, 
hearing  a  Jew  deny  it,  they  began  to  murmur,  calling 
him  a  wicked  apostate,  a  detestable  enemy  to  Jesus 
Christ;  and  after  they  had  sufficiently  reviled  him  with 
words,  all  the  multitude,  foaming  with  anger,  fell  upon 
him,  plucked  off  the  hair  of  his  head  and  beard,  trod 
upon  him,  trailed  him  into  the  church  yard,  beat  him  to 
death,  and  kindling  a  great  fire,  cast  the  dead  body  into 
it.  All  the  residue  of  the  people  ran  to  this  mutinous 
company:  there  a  certain  friar  preached  a  sermon,  where- 
in he  vehemently  urged  his  auditors  to  revenge  the 
injury  that  our  Lord  had  received.  The  people,  mad 
enough  of  themselves,  were  more  incensed  by  this  ex- 
hortation. Besides  this,  two  other  friars  took  and  held 
up  a  cross  as  high  as  they  could,  crying  out,  *'  Revenge! 
heresy!  down  with  wicked  heresy,  and  destroy  the  wick- 
ed nation!"  Then,  like  hungry  dogs,  they  fell  upon  the 
miserable  Jews,  cut  the  throats  of  a  great  number,  and 
dragged  them,  half  dead,  to  the  fires,  many  of  which 
they  made  for  the  purpose.  They  regarded  neither  age 
nor  sex,  but  murdered  men,  women,  and  children;  they 
broke  open  doors,  rushed  into  rooms,  dashed  out  chil- 
dren's brains  against  the  walls:  they  went  insolently  into 
churches  to  pluck  out  thence  the  little  children,  old  men, 
and  young  maidens,  that  had  taken  hold  of  the  altars, 
the  crosses,  and  images  of  saints,  crying,  Misericordia! 

Mercy!  mercy!"  There  they  either  murdered  them 
prescntlv,  or  threw  them  out  alive  into  the  fire.  Many 

2C 


202  On  Ilt/gieifte,  or  the  art 


that  carried  the  port  and  show  of  Jews,  found  them- 
selves in  great  danger;  and  some  were  killed,  and  others 
wounded,  before  they  could  make  proof  that  they  had 
no  relation  to  them.  Some  that  bore  a  .ejrudge  to  others, 
as  they  met  them,  did  but  cry  JewsP^  and  they  were 
presently  beaten  down,  without  having  liberty  or  leisure 
to  answer  for  themselves.  The  magistrates  were  not  so 
hardy  as  to  oppose  themselves  against  the  fury  of  the 
people;  so  that,  in  three  days,  the  cut-throats  killed 
above  two  thousand  Jewish  persons.  The  king,  under- 
standing the  news  of  this  horrible  massacre,  was  ex- 
tremely angry,  and  suddenly  despatched  away  officers 
with  full  power  to  punish  so  great  offences;  who  caused 
a  great  number  of  the  seditious  to  be  executed.  The 
friars  that  had  lifted  up  the  cross  and  animated  the 
people  to  murder,  were  degraded,  and  afterwards  hang- 
ed and  burnt.  The  magistrates  that  had  been  slack  to 
repress  this  riot,  were  some  put  out  of  office,  and  others 
fined;  the  city  also  was  disfranchised  of  many  privileges 
and  honours. 

In  the  year  1572  was  the  bloody  Parisian  matins^ 
wherein  was  spilt  so  much  Christian  blood,  that  it  flowed 
through  the  streets  like  rain  water,  in  great  abundance; 
and  this  butchery  of  men,  women,  and  children,  con- 
tinued so  long,  thai  the  principal  rivers  in  the  kingdom 
were  seen  covered  with  murdered  bodies;  and  their 
streams  so  dyed  and  stained  with  human  blood,  that  they 
who  dwelt  far  from  the  place  where  this  barbarous  act 
was  committed,  abhorred  the  water  of  those  rivers,  and 
refused  to  use  it,  or  eat  of  the  fish  taken  therein,  for  a 
long  time  after.  This  tragedy  was  thus  cunningly  plot- 
ted. A  peace  was  made  with  the  protestants;  for  the  as- 
surance whereof,  a  marriage  was  solemnized  between 
Henry  of  Navarre,  chief  of  the  protestant  party,  and 
the  lady  Margaret,  the  king's  sister.  At  this  wedding 
there  assembled  the  prince  of  Conde,  the  admiral  Co- 
ligni,  and  divers  others  of  chief  note;  but  there  was  not 
so  much  wine  drank  as  blood  shed  at  it.  At  midnight 
the  watch-bell  rung;  the  king  of  Navarre  aucj  the  princp 


of  Preserving  Health. 


205 


of  Conde  were  taken  prisoners;  the  admiral  murdered 
in  his  bed,  and  thirty  thousand,  at  the  least,  of  the  most 
potent  men  of  the  protestant  religion,  sent  by  the  way  of 
the  Red  Sea,  to  find  the  nearest  passage  to  the  land  of 
Canaan. 

In  the  reign  of  Edward  VI.  upon  the  alteration  of 
religion,  there  was  an  insurrection  in  Cornwall  and  di- 
vers other  counties,  wherein  many  were  taken  and  ex- 
ecuted by  martial  law.  The  chief  leaders  were  sent  to 
London,  and  there  executed.  The  sedition  being  thus 
suppressed,  it  is  memorable  what  cruel  revenge  or  sport 
Sir  William  Kingston,  provost-marshal,  made  by  vir- 
tue of  his  office,  upon  men  in  m.isery.  One  Boyer, 
mayor  of  Bodmin  in  Cornwall,  had  been  amongst  the 
rebels,  not  wilUngly,  but  enforced;  to  him  the  provost 
sent  word  that  he  would  come  and  dine  vv^th  him,  for 
whom  the  mayor  made  great  provision.  A  little  before 
dinner,  the  provost  took  the  mayor  aside,  and  whisper- 
ed him  in  the  ear,  "  That  an  execution  must  that  day 
be  done  in  the  town,  and  therefore  required  that  a  gal- 
lows should  be  set  up  against  dinner  should  be  over." 
The  mayor  failed  not  of  his  charge;  presently  after  din- 
ner, the  provost  taking  ttie  mayor  by  the  hand,  desired 
him  to  lead  him  to  the  place  where  the  gallows  was; 
which,  when  he  beheld,  he  asked  the  mayor,  If  he 
thought  it  to  be  strong  enough?"  Yes,"  said  the 
mayor,  "  doubtless,  it  is."  *'  Well,  then,"  said  the  pro- 
vost, '*  get  you  up  speedily,  for  it  is  provided  for  you." 
**  I  hope,"  answered  the  mayor,  you  mean  not  as  you 
speak!"  In  faith,"  said  the  provost,  *' there  is  no  re- 
medy, for  you  have  been  a  busy  rebel:"  and  so,  with- 
out respite  or  defence,  he  was  hanged.  Near  the  said 
place  dwelt  a  miller,  who  had  been  a  busy  actor  in  that 
rebellion,  who,  fearing  the  approach  of  the  marshal,  told 
a  sturdy  fellow,  his  servant,  that  he  had  occasion  to  go 
from  home,  and,  therefore,  if  any  came  to  inquire  for 
the  miller,  he  should  not  speak  of  him,  but  say  that  he 
was  the  miller,  and  had  been  so  for  three  years  before. 
So,  the  provost  came,  and  called  for  the  miller,  when 


^04 


On  Hygieine^  or  the  art 


out  comes  the  servant,  and  said,  "  he  was  the  man." 
The  provost  demanded,  How  long  he  had  kept  the 
mill?"  These  three  years,"  answered  the  servant: 
then  the  provost  commanded  his  men  to  lay  hold  of 
him,  and  hang  him  on  the  next  tree.  At  this  the  fellow 
cried  out,  that  he  was  not  the  miller,  but  the  miller's 
man."  "  Nay,  Sir,"  said  the  provost,  *'  I  will  take  you 
at  your  word.  If  thou  beest  the  miller,  thou  art  a  busy 
knave;  if  thou  art  not,  thou  art  a  false  lying  knave; 
and,  howsoever,  thou  canst  never  do  thy  master  better 
service  than  to  hang  for  him;"  and  so,  without  more 
ado,  he  was  dispatched. 

Excellent  was  the  advice  that  was  given  to  the  Ro- 
mans by  the  ambassadors  of  some  cities  in  Etruria, 

That  since  they  were  men,  they  should  not  resent  any 
thing  beyond  human  nature;  and  that  in  mortal  bodies 
they  should  not  carry  immortal  feuds."  Light  injuries 
are  made  none  by  disregarding  them;  which,  if  revenged, 
grow  grievous  and  burihensome,  and  live  to  hurt  us, 
when  they  might  die  to  secure  us.  It  is  princely  to  dis- 
dain a  wrong;  and  they  say,  princes,  when  ambassadors 
have  offered  indecencies,  used  not  to  chide,  but  deny 
them  audience;  as  if  silence  were  the  royal  way  to  re- 
venge a  wrong. 

We  cannot,  perhaps,  better  instance  the  noblest  way 
of  taking  revenge,  than  that  heretofore  pointed  out  by  a 
common  soldier.  When  the  great  Conde  commanded 
the  Spanish  army  in  Flanders,  and  laid  seige  to  one  of 
its  towns,  the  soldier  in  question  being  ill-treated  by  a 
general  officer,  and  struck  several  times  with  a  cane,  for 
some  words  he  had  let  fall,  answered  very  coolly,  that  he 
should  soon  make  him  repent  it.  Fifteen  days  after,  the 
same  general  officer  ordered  the  colonel  of  the  trenches 
to  find  him  out  a  bold  and  intrepid  fellow  in  his  regi- 
ment to  do  a  notable  piece  of  service;  and  for  which  he 
promised  a  reward  of  a  hundred  pistoles.  The  soldier 
we  are  speaking  of,  who  passed  for  the  bravest  in  the 
regiment,  oflfered  himself  for  the  business;  and  taking 


of  Preserving  Health. 


205 


with  him  thirty  of  his  comrades,  whom  he  selected,  dis- 
charged his  commission,  which  was  a  very  hazardous 
one,  with  incredible  courage  and  success.  On  his  return, 
the  officer  highly  commended  him,  and  gave  him  the 
hundred  pistoles  he  had  promised.  These,  however,  the 
soldier  presently  distributed  among  his  comrades,  say- 
ing, he  did  not  serve  for  pay,  and  demanded  only  that, 
if  his  late  action  seemed  to  deserve  any  recompense, 
they  would  make  him  an  officer:  And,  now,  Sir,"  con- 
tinued he,  to  the  general,  who  did  not  know  him,  I 
am  the  soldier  whom  you  so  abused  fifteen  days  ago; 
and  I  told  you  I  would  make  you  repent  it."  The  gene- 
ral instantly  recollected  him,  and  in  great  admiration  of 
his  virtue,  threw  his  arms  round  his  neck,  begged  his 
pardon,  and  gave  him  a  commission  that  very  day. 

M.  Bibulus,  a  man  of  eminent  authority,  while  he 
abode  in  the  province  of  Syria,  had  two  sons  slain  by 
the  soldiers  of  Gabinius,  for  whom  he  exceedingly 
mourned.  Queen  Cleopatra,  of  Egypt,  to  assuage  his 
grief,  sent  him  bound  those  that  had  slain  his  sons,  that 
he  might  take  of  them  such  revenge  as  he  thought  fit. 
He  very  joyfully  received  this  good  office,  but  com- 
manded them  untouched  to  be  returned  back  to  Cleopa- 
tra, thinking  it  revenge  enough  that  he  had  the  enemies 
of  his  blood  in  his  power. 

When  the  duke  of  Alva  was  in  Brussels,  about  the 
beginning  of  the  tumults  in  the  Netherlands,  he  had  sat 
down  before  Hulst,  in  Flanders;  and  there  was  a  pro- 
vost-marshal in  his  army  who  was  a  favourite  of  his, 
and  this  provost  had  put  some  to  death  by  secret  com- 
mission from  the  duke.  There  was  one  captain  Bolea  m 
the  army,  who  was  an  intimate  friend  of  the  provost's; 
and  one  evening  late  he  went  to  the  captain's  tent,  and 
brought  with  him  a  confessor  and  an  executioner,  as  it 
was  his  custom.  He  told  the  captain  he  was  come  to  ex- 
ecute his  excellency's  commission  and  martial  law  upon 
him.  The  captain  started  up  suddenly,  his  hair  standing 
upright,  and  being  struck  witli  amazement,  asked  him^ 


206 


On  Hygieine,  or  the  art 


Wherein  have  I  ofFended  the  duke?"  The  provost  an- 
swered, "  Sir,  I  am  not  to  expostulate  the  busmess  with 
you,  but  to  execute  my  commission;  therefore,  I  pray 
prepare  yourself,  for  there  is  your  ghostly  father  and 
executioner."  So  he  fell  on  his  knees  before  the  priest, 
and  having  done,  and  the  hangman  going  to  put  the 
halter  about  his  neck,  the  provost  threw  it  away,  and 
breaking  into  a  laughter,  told  him,  "  there  was  no  such 
thing,  and  that  he  had  done  this  to  try  his  courage,  how 
he  would  bear  the  terror  of  death."  The  captain,  look- 
ing ghastly  at  him,  said,  "  Then,  Sir,  get  you  out  of 
my  tent,  for  you  have  done  me  a  very  ill  office."  The 
next  morning,  the  said  captain  Bolea,  though  a  young 
man  of  about  thirty,  had  his  hair  all  turned  gray,  to  the 
admiration  of  all  the  world,  and  the  duke  of  Alva  him- 
self, who  questioned  him  about  it:  but  he  would  con- 
fess nothing.  The  next  year  the  duke  was  recalled,  and 
in  his  journey  to  the  court  of  Spain,  he  was  to  pass  by 
Saragossa;  and  this  captain  Bolea  and  the  provost  went 
along  with  him  as  his  domestics.  The  duke  being  to 
repose  some  days  in  Saragossa,  the  young  old  captain 
Bolea  told  him,  that  there  was  a  thing  in  that  town 
worthy  to  be  seen  by  his  excellency,  which  was  a  casa 
de  loco,  a  bedlam  house,  such  a  one  as  there  was  not  the 
like  in  Christendom."  Well,"  said  the  duke,  "  go  and 
tell  the  warden  I  will  be  there  to-morrow  in  the  after- 
noon." The  captain  having  obtained  this,  went  to  the 
warden,  and  told  him  the  duke's  intention;  and  that  the 
chief  occasion  that  moved  him  to  it  was,  that  he  had  an 
unruly  pravost  about  him,  who  was  subject  often  times 
to  fits  of  frenzy;  and,  because  he  wished  him  well,  he 
had  tried  divers  means  to  cure  him,  but  all  would  not 
do;  therefore,  he  would  try  whether  keeping  him  close 
in  bedlam  for  some  days  would  do  him  any  good.  The 
next  day  the  duke  came  with  a  great  train  of  captains 
after  him,  amongst  whom  was  the  said  provost,  very 
shining  and  fine.  Being  entered  into  the  house  about  the 
duke's  person,  captain  Bolea  told  the  warden,  pointing 
at  the  provost,  "  that's  the  man:"  the  warden  took  hira 
aside  into  a  dark  lobby,  where  he  had  placed  some  of 


of  Preso-ving  Health. 


207 


his  men,  who  muffled  him  in  his  cloak,  seized  upon  his 
sword,  and  hurried  him  into  a  dungeon.  The  provost  had 
lain  there  two  nights  and  a  day;  and  afterwards  it  hap- 
pened that  a  gentleman,  coming  out  of  curiosity  to  see 
the  house,  peeped  into  a  small  grate  where  the  provost 
was.  The  provost  conjured  him,  as  he  was  a  Christian, 
to  go  and  tell  the  duke  of  Alva  his  provost  was  there 
confined,  nor  could  he  imagine  why.  The  gentleman  did 
his  errand;  and  the  duke,  being  astonished,  sent  for  the 
warden  with  his  prisoner:  the  warden  brought  the  pro- 
vost in  cuerpo,  full  of  straws  and  feathers,  madman-like, 
before  the  duke;  who,  at  the  sight  of  him  burst  into 
laughter,  asked  the  warden  why  he  had  made  him  pri- 
soner?   Sir,"  said  the  ^varden,     it  was  by  virtue  of 
your  excellency's  commission,  brought  me  by  captain 
Bolea."  Bolea  stepped  forth,  and  told  the  duke,  Sir, 
you  have  asked  me  oft  how  these  hairs  of  mine  grew  so 
suddenly  gray;  I  have  not  revealed  it  to  any  soul  brea-| 
thing;  but  now  I'll  tell  your  excellency;"  and  sorelatedi 
the  passage  in  Flanders;  and  added — **  I  have  been  ever 
since  beating  my  brains  to  know  how  to  get  an  equall 
revenge  of  him,  for  making  me  old  before  my  time." 
The  duke  was  so  well  pleased  with  the  story,  and  the 
wittiness  of  the  revenge,that  he  made  them  both  friends. 


208 


On  Hygieine^  or  the  art 


OF  ENVY. 

—  Malicious  Envy  rode 

Upon  a  ravenous  wolf,  and  still  did  chew 

Between  his  canker'd  teeth,  a  ven'mous  toad. 

That  all  the  poison  ran  about  his  jaw: 

But,  inwardly,  he  chew^cd  his  own  maw 

At  neighbour's  wealth,  that  made  him  ever  sad: 

For  death  it  was  when  any  good  he  saw, 

And  wept,  that  cause  of  weeping  none  he  had.  *  « 
But  when  he  heard  of  harm,  he  waxed  wond'rous  glad. 

He  hated  all  good  works,  and  virtuous  deeds. 
And  him  no  less  that  any  like  did  use; 
And  who  with  gracious  bread  tlie  hungry  feeds. 
His  alms,  for  want  of  faith,  he  doth  accuse; 
So  every  good  to  bad  he  doth  abuse; 
And  eke  the  verse  of  famous  poets'  wit. 
He  does  backbite,  and  spiteful  poison  spews 
From  lep'rous  mouth  on  all  that  ever  writ: 
Such  one,  vile  Envy  was. 

Spenser. 

To  repine  at  the  superior  happiness  of  others,  is  the 
nature  of  Envy.  It  arises  from  self-love  or  self-interest, 
particularly  in  such  individuals  whom  nature  has  denied 
certain  qualifications  of  body  or  mind,  which  they 
cannot  avoid  seeing  in  others. 

It  is  almost  the  only  vice  which  is  practicable  at  all 
times,  and  in  every  place;  the  only  passion  which  can 
never  lie  quiet  for  want  of  irritation;  its  effects  are, 
therefore,  every  way  discoverable,  and  its  attempts  al- 
ways to  be  dreaded. 

Envy  commands  a  secret  band, 
With  sword  and  poison  in  her  hand. 
Around  her  haggard  eye-balls  roll, 
A  thousand  fiends  possess  her  soul. 
The  artful,  unsuspected  spright, 
With  fatal  aim  attacks  by  night. 


of  Preserving  Health*  209 

Her  troops  advance  with  silent  tread, 
And  stab  the  hero  in  his  bed; 
Or  shoot  the  wing'd  malignant  liCy 
And  female  honours  pine  or  die. 

Cotton. 

Solomon  emphatically  styles  Envy,  a  rottenness  of 
the  bones,"  and  we  too  often  witness  its  baneful  effects 
on  those  who  cherish  the  fatal  poison.  It  shows  itself 
in  horrors  even  on  the  face  of  young  females,  who,  it 
might  be  supposed,  could  not  possess  so  odious  a  pas- 
sion. Observe  an  envious  girl,  who,  while  pleased  vvi^h 
herself,  appears  quite  beautiful  and  pleasing  in  her  man- 
ners; but  on  the  appearance  of  one  of  her  sex,  c  school* 
mate,  of  superior  beauty  and  endowments,  her  counte- 
nance becomes  strangely  altered.  In  like  manner  the  spi- 
rits become  depressed;  and,  as  the  body  cannot  remain 
undisturbed,  when  the  mind,  to  w  hich  it  is  so  nearly  at- 
tached, is  in  such  misery,  the  person  who  is  tormented 
with  it  cannot  enjoy  good  health.  For  it  is  the  passion  of 
the  damned;  and,  as  it  richly  deserves  punishment,  it 
never  escapes  it. 

There  died  not  long  since,  a  young  lady,  who,  for 
some  time  before  her  death,  appeared  to  be  lingering 
and  melancholy.  Her  appetite  failed,  her  flesh  withered 
away,  and  her  dissolution  seemed  at  hand.  One  day  she 
called  her  intimate  friends  to  her  bed-side,  and  spoke  to 
the  following  eftect;  '*  I  know  you  all  pity  me;  but,  alasl 
I  am  not  worthy  of  your  pity,  for  all  my  misery  is  en- 
tirely owing  to  the  wickedness  of  my  own  heart.  I  have 
two  sisters;  and  I  have  all  my  life  been  unhappy  for  no 
other  reason  but  because  of  their  prosperity.  When  we 
were  young,  I  could  neither  eat  nor  sleep  in  comfort,  if 
they  had  either  praise  or  pleasure.  As  soon  as  they  were 
grown  to  be  women,  they  married  greatly  to  their  ad- 
vantage and  satisfaction:  this  galled  me  to  the  heart; 
and  though  I  had  several  good  offers,  yet,  thinking  them 

2D 


210 


On  HygicmCy  or  the  art 


rather  unequal  to  my  sisters,  I  refused  them,  and  then 
%vas  inwardly  vexed  and  distressed,  for  fear  I  should 
get  no  better.  I  never  wanted  for  any  thing,  and  might 
have  been  happy,  but  for  this  wretched  temper.  My  sis- 
ters loved  me  tenderly,  for  I  concealed  from  them  as 
much  as  possible  this  odious  passion;  and  yet  never  did 
any  poor  wretch  lead  so  miserable  a  life  as  I  have  done, 
for  every  blessing  they  enjoyed  was  a  dagger  to  my 
heart.  'Tis  this  envy,  which,  preying  on  my  very  vitals, 
has  ruined  my  health,  and  is  now  conveying  me  down 
to  the  grave.  Pray  for  me,  that  God  of  his  infinite  mercy 
may  forgive  me  this  horrid  sin;  and  with  my  dying 
breath  I  conjure  you  all  to  check  the  first  risings  of  a 
passion  that  has  proved  so  fatal  to  me." 

Plutarch  compares  envious  persons  to  cupping- 
glasses,  which  ever  draw  the  worst  humours  of  the  body 
to  them:  they  are  like  flies,  which  resort  only  to  the  raw 
and  corrupt  parts  of  the  body;  or,  if  they  light  on  a 
sound  part,  never  leave  blowing  upon  it  till  they  have 
disposed  it  to  putrefaction.  When  Momus  could  find 
no  fault  with  the  face  in  the  picture  of  Venus,  he  picked 
a  quarrel  with  her  slippers:  and  so  these  malevolent 
persons,  when  they  cannot  blame  the  substance,  will 
yet  represent  the  circumstance  of  men's  best  actions 
with  prejudice.  The  black  shadow  is  still  observed  to 
wait  upon  those  that  have  been  the  most  illustrious  for 
virtue,  or  remarkable  for  some  kind  of  perfection:  and 
to  excel  in  either  has  been  an  unpardonable  crime. 

"  The  man  who  envies,  must  behold  with  pain 
Another's  joys,  and  sicken  at  his  gain: 
The  man  unable  to  control  his  ire, 
Shall  wish  undone,  what  hate  and  wrath  inspire. 
Anger's  a  shorter  frenzy,  then  subdue 
Your  passion,  or  your  passion  conquers  you; 
Unless  your  reason  holds  the  guiding  reins, 
And  binds  the  tyrant  in  coercive  chains."^ 


of  Preserving  Health. 


211 


When  Aristides,  so  remarkable  for  his  inviolable  at- 
tachment to  justice,  was  tried  by  tl^e  people  at  Athens 
and  condemned  to  banishment,  a  peasant  who  was  un- 
acquainted with  the  person  of  Aristides,  applied  to  him 
to  vote  against  Aristides.  Has  he  done  you  any  wrong," 
said  Aristides,  "  that  you  are  for  punishing  him  in  this 
manner?"  No,"  replied  the  countryman,  I  don't  even 
know  him;  but  I  am  tired  and  angry  with  hearing  every 
one  call  him  the  just, 

Mutius,  a  citizen  of  Rome,  was  noted  to  be  of 
such  an  envious  and  malevolent  disposition,  that  Pub- 
lius,  one  day  observing  him  to  be  very  sad,  said,  "  either 
some  great  evil  has  happened  to  Mutius,  or  some  great 
good  lo  another." 

Cambyses,  king  of  Persia,  seeing  his  brother  Smer- 
dis  draw  a  stronger  bow  than  any  of  the  soldiers  in  his 
army  was  able  to  do,  was  so  inflamed  with  envy  against 
him,  that  he  caused  him  to  be  slain. 

Maximianus  the  tyrant,  through  envy  of  the  honours 
conferred  on  Constantine,  and  the  virtues  attributed  to 
him  by  the  people,  contrived  all  that  a  desperate  envy 
could  invent,  and  a  great  virtue  surmount.  He  first 
made  him  general  of  an  army,  which  he  sent  against 
the  Sarmatians,  supposing  he  would  there  lose  his  life. 
The  young  prince  went  thither,  returned  victorious, 
leading  along  with  him  the  barbarian  king  in  chains. 
On  his  return  from  this  battle,  the  tyrant  engaged  him 
in  a  perilous  encounter  with  a  lion,  which  he  purposely 
had  caused  to  be  let  loose  upon  him.  But  Constantine, 
victorious  over  lions  as  well  as  men,  slew  him  with  his 
own  hand,  and  impressed  an  incomparable  opinion  in 
the  minds  of  his  soldiers,  which  easily  gave  him  a  pas- 
sage to  the  throne,  by  the  same  degrees  and  means  which 
were  prepared  for  his  ruin. 

Medicines  cannot  cure  a  disease  so  odious;  education 
and  improvement  of  morals  are  its  only  antidotes.  En* 


212 


On  Hygieine^  or  the  art 


vious  persons  commonly  give  too  much  importance  to 
trifles;  hence  they,  ought  to  be  instructed  to  employ 
themselves  in  more  useful  pursuits;  to  judge  of  things 
according  to  their  true  value,  and  to  accustom  them- 
selves to  a  philosophic  calmness;  they  ought  to  learn 
how  to  overcome,  or  at  least  to  moderate,  their  selfish- 
ness; to  counterbalance  their  expectations  with  their 
deserts;  and  to  equal  or  surpass  others  in  their  merits, 
rather  than  in  their  pretensions. 


OF  AVARICE. 


And,  Oh!  what  man's  condition  can  be  worse 
Than  his,  whom  plenty  starves  and  blessiTjgs  cur$e? 
The  beggars  but  a  common  fate  deplore; 
The  rich  poor  man's  emphatically  poor. 

If  cares  and  troubles,  envy,  grief,  and  fear, 
The  bitter  fruits  be  what  fair  riches  bear. 
If  a  new  poverty  grows  out  of  store. 
The  old  plain  way,  ye  Gods!  let  me  be  poor. 

Cowley* 

This  vile  passion,  which  frowns  at  the  approach  of 
the  stranger,  clinches  the  hand  against  the  poor,  denies, 
all  encouragement  of  public  good,  and  can  pinch  and 
starve  wife  and  children,  is  hardly  more  detestable  in  a 
moral  point  of  view,  than  it  is  pernicious  in  a  physical. 
It  is  true,  that  by  his  unwillingness  to  part  with  his 
money,  the  miser  is  generally  a  temperate  and  even  an 
abstemious  character,  and  so  far  his  vice  is  beneficial  to 
his  health.  But  in  many  other  respects  this  detestable 
vice  operates  very  hurtfully  to  the  health  of  him  who  is 
cursed  with  it.  By  the  extreme  eagerness  to  make  money, 
by  the  distressing  fears  about  keeping  it,  by  the  incon- 
solable grief  for  losing  it;  besides  the  heart-aches,  the 
envies  and  jealousies,  the  sleepless  nights,  wearisome 
days,  and  numberless  other  ills  which  it  inflicts  on  its 


of  Preserving  Health.  213 

• 

slaves,  it  often  ruins  their  health,  and  brings  them  down 
to  the  grave  by  some  lingering  disease,  or  more  horri- 
ble suicide.  History  tells  us  of  illustrious  villains;  but 
there  never  was  an  illustrious  miser  in  nature. 

The  great  and  learned  Hippocrates  wished  a  consul- 
tation oif  all  the  physicians  in  the  world,  that  they  might 
advise  together  upon  the  means  how  to  cure  covetous- 
ness.  It  is  now  above  two  thousand  years  ago  since  he 
had  this  desire;  and  after  him  a  thousand  and  a  thousand 
philosophers  have  employed  their  endeavours  to  cure 
this  insatiable  dropsy.  All  of  them  have  lost  their  la- 
bours therein;  the  evil  rather  increases  than  declines 
under  the  multitude  of  remedies.  There  have  been  a 
number  in  former  ages  sick  of  it;  and  this  wide  hospital 
of  the  world  is  still  as  full  of  such  patients  as  ever  it 
was. 

A  rich  cotton  planter  in  Georgia,  in  consequence  of 
losing  two  cents  in  the  pound  on  a  crop  of  cotton,  was 
seized  with  such  a  sadness  of  heart,  that  he  took  to  his 
bed,  and  refusing  to  be  shaved,  shirted,  or  to  take  suit- 
able nourishment,  died  miserable.  He  was  a  bachelor, 
and  his  estate,  on  appraisement,  amounted  to  nearly  one 
hundred  thousand  dollars! 

In  York  county,  Pennsylvania,  a  farmer,  so  wealthy 
as  to  raise  one  hundred  bushels  of  clover  seed  on  his 
own  lands,  in  consequence  of  losing  five  dollars  per 
bushel  on  his  clover  seed,  that  is  only  getting  seven  dol- 
lars in  Philadelphia,  after  he  had  been  offered  twelve 
for  it  at  home,  was  struck  with  such  a  deadly  heart 
anguish,  that  he  went  into  a  fit  of  despondence  and  hung 
himself.  After  his  death,  silver  to  the  amount  of  two 
hundred  thousand  dollars  was  found  barreled  up  in  his 
cellar! 

Cardinal  Angelot  was  so  basely  covetous,  that  by  a 
private  way  he  used  to  go  into  the  stable,  and  steal  the 
oats  from  his  own  horses.  On  a  time,  the  keeper  of  his 
horses  going  into  the  stable  in  the  dark,  and  finding  him 


214  On  Hygieine^  6r  the  art 

there,  taking  him  for  a  thief,  beat  him  soundly:  he  was 
,  also  so  hard  to  his  servants,  that  his  chamberlain,  watch- 
ing his  opportunity,  slew  him. 

Lewis  the  Eleventh,  in  fear  of  his  father  Charles  the 
Seventh,  abode  in  Burgundy,  where  he  contracted  a 
familiarity  with  one  Conon,  an  herbman:  succeeding  his 
father  in  the  kingdom,  Conon  took  his  journey  to  Paris, 
to  present  the  king  with  some  turnips,  which  he  had 
observed  him  to  eat  heartily  of  when  he  sometimes 
came  from  hunting:  in  the  way,  hunger  constrained 
him  to  eat  them  all  up,  save  only  one  of  an  unusual 
bigness,*  and  this  he  presented  to  the  king.  The  king, 
delighted  with  the  simplicity  of  the  man,  commanded 
him  a  thousand  crowns,  and  the  turnip,  wrapt  up  in 
silk,  to  be  reserved  among  his  treasures.  A  covetous 
courtier  had  observed  this;  and  having  already  in  his 
mind  devoured  a  greater  sum,  brought  a  very  handsome 
horse,  and  presented  him  to  the  king,  who  cheerfully 
accepted  the  gift,  and  gave  orders  that  the  turnip  should 
be  brought  him:  when  unwrapt,  that  it  was  seen  what 
it  was,  the  courtier  complained  that  he  was  deluded: 

No,"  said  the  king,  here  is  no  delusion;  thou  hast 
that  which  cost  me  a  thousand  crowns,  for  a  horse  that 
is  scarcely  to  be  valued  at  a  hundred.'' 

Nitocris,  queen  of  Babylon,  built  her  sepulchre  over 
the  most  eminent  gate  in  that  city;  and  caused  to  be  en- 
graved  upon  her  tomb,  What  king  soever  comes  after 
me,  and  shall  want  money,  let  him  open  this  sepulchre 
and  take  thence  so  much  as  he  pleases:  but  let  him  not 
open  it  unless  he  want,  for  he  shall  not  find  it  for  his 
advantage."  Darius,  long  after,  finding  this  inscription, 
broke  open  the  sepulchre:  but,  instead  of  treasure,  he 
only  found  this  inscription  within:  "  Unless  thou  wert 
a  wicked  man,  and  basely  covetous,  thou  wouldst  never 
have  violated  the  dormitories  of  the  dead." 


of  Preserving  Health.  215 


OF  INTEMPERANCE. 

We  curse  not -yine—\\i<i  vile  excess  vfQ.  hXdimei 
More  fruitful  than  the  accumulated  board. 

Of  pain  and  misery.  For  the  subtle  draught  '■■ 

Faster  and  surer  swells  the  vital  tide; 

And  with  more  active  poison  than  the  floodt 

Of  g-rosser  crudity  convey,  pervades 

The  far  remote  meanders  of  our  fran\e. 

 For  know,  whate'er 

Beyond  its  natural  fervour  hurries  on 
The  sanguine  tide;  whether  the  frequent  bowl. 
High  seasoned  fare,  or  exercise  to  toil 
Protracted,  spurs  to  its  last  stage  tii-'d  life. 
And  sows  the  temples  with  untimely  snow. 

Armstrong. 

Temperance,  by  fortifying  the  mind  and  body, 
leads  to  happiness.  Intemperance,  by  enervating  them, 
ends  in  misery. .  And  those  who  destroy  a  healthy  con- 
stitution of  body  by  intemperance,  do  as  manifestly  kill 
themselves,  as  those  who  hang^  poison  or  drown  them- 
selves. Virtue  is  no  enemy  to  pleasure;  but,  on  the 
contrary,  is  its  most  certain  friend.  Her  office  is  to 
regulate  our  desires,  that  we  may  enjoy  every  pleasure 
wiih  moderation;  and  then  our  relish  for  them  will  con» 
tinue.  . 

Pleasure,  my  friend!  on  this  side  folly  lies; 
It  may  be  vigorous,  but  it  must  be  wise: 
And  when  our  organs  once  that  end  attain, 
Each  step  beyond  it  is  a  step  to  pain. 

Cawthork, 

Anacharsis,  the  Scythian,  in  order  to  deter  young 
men  from  that  voluptuousness  which  is  ever  attended 
with  ill  effects,  applied  his  discourse  to  them  in  a  para- 


216  Oti  Hygieine^  or  the  art 

ble,  telling  them  that  the  vine  of  youthful  gratification 
had  three  branches,  producing  three  cluster's.  "  On  the 
first,"  says  he,  "  grows  pleasure;  on  the  second,  sottish- 
ness;  on  the  third,  sadness." 

Struck  by  the  powerful  charm  the  gloom  dissolves 
In  empty  air:  Elysium  opens  round. 
A  pleasing  frenzy  buoys  the  lightened  soul. 
And  sanguine  hopes  dispel  your  fleeting  cares; 
And  what  are  difficult,  and  what  was  dire. 
Yields  to  your  prowess  and  superior  stars; 
The  happiest  you,  of  all  that  e'er  were  mad, 
Or  are,  or  shall  be,  could  this  folly  last. 
But  soon  your  heaven  is  gone;  a  heavier  gloom 
Shuts  o'er  your  head;  and,  as  the  thund'ring  stream 
Swoln  o'er  its  banks  with  sudden  mountain  rain, 
Sinks  from  its  tumult  to  a  silent  brook; 
So,  when  the  /ran  tic  raptures  in  your  breast 
Subside,  you  languish  into  mortal  man: 

You  sleep,  and  waking,  find  yourself  undone; 

For,  prodigal  of  life,  in  one  rash  night 
You  lavish'^d  more  than  might  support  three  days, 
A  heavy  morning  comes;  your  cares  retairn 
With  tenfold  rage. 

Armstrong. 

Drinking  is  undoubtedly  the  most  miserable  refuge 
from  misfortune.  It  is  the  most  broken  of  all  reeds. 
This  solace  is  truly  short-lived;  when  over,  the  spirits 
commonly  sink  as  much  below  their  usual  tone,  as  they 
had  been  before  raised  above  it.  Hence  a  repetition  of 
the  dose  becomes  necessary,  and  every  fresh  dose  makes 
way  for  another,  till  the  miserable  man  is  rendered  a 


ef  Preserving  Health. 


21T 


slave  to  the  bottle;  and  at  length  falls  a  sacrifice  to  what 
at  first,  perhaps,  was  taken  only  as  a  medicine. 

Unhappy  man,  whom  sorroxv  thus  and  rage^ 
Two  different  ills,  alternately  engage. 
Who  drinks,  alas!  but  to  forget;  nor  sees 
That  melancholy,  sloth,  severe  disease, 
Memory  confused,  and  interrupted  thought, 
Death's  harbingers,  lie  latent  in  the  draught, 
And  in  the  flowers  that  wreath  the  sparkling  bowl, 
Fell  adders  hiss,  and  poisonous  serpents  roll. 

Prior. 

^ere  the  pleasures  of  the  palate  lasting^  says  Cox- 
naro,  there  -would  he  some  excuse  for  inehritty,  but  it  is 
so  transitory,  that  there  is  scarce  any  distiyiguishing  be- 
tween the  beginning  and  the  ending;  whereas^  the  diseases 
it  produces  are  very  durable. 

The  story  of  Prometheus  seems  to  have  been  in- 
vented by  physicians  in  those  ancient  times  when  all 
things  were  clothed  in  hieroglyphic,  or  in  fable,  Pro- 
metheus was  painted  as  stealingj^r^  from  heaven,  which 
might  well  represent  the  inflammable  spirit  produced 
by  fermentation,  that  may  be  said  to  animate  and  en- 
liven the  man  of  clay:  whence  the  conquest  of  Bacchus, 
and  the  heedless  mirth  and  noise  of  his  devotees.  But 
the  after  punishment  of  those  who  steal  this  accursed  fire^ 
is  a  vulture  gnawing  the  liver;  which  well  allegorizes 
the  poor  inebriate,  labouring  under  painful  hepatic  dis- 
eases. It  is  thus  beautifully  described  by  Darwin: 

So  when  Prometheus  braved  the  Thunderer's  ire, 
Stole  from  his  blazing  throne  etht  rial  fire. 
And  lantern'd  in  his  breast,  from  realms  of  day, 
Bore  the  bright  treasure  to  his  man  of  clay: — 

52£ 


218 


On  Ht/gieine,  or  the  art 


High  on  cold  Caucasus,  by  Vulcan  bound, 
The  lean,  impatient  vulture  flutt'ring  round; 
His  writhing  limbs  in  vain  he  twists  and  strains, 
To  break  or  loose  the  adamantine  chains: 
The  gluttonous  bird,  exulting  in  his  pangs, 
Tears  his  swoln  liver  with  remorseless  fangs. 

Let  those  who  have  been  enticed  frequently  to  taste 
spirituous  liquors,  till  at  length  they  begin  to  have  a 
fondness  for  them,  reflect  a  moment  on  the  danger  of 
their  situation;  and  resolve  to  make  a  speedy  and  ho- 
nourable retreat.  Remember,  that  custom  soon  changes 
into  habit;  that  habit  is  a  second  nature,  more  stubborn 
than  the  first;  and,  of  all  things,  most  diflicult  to  be  sub- 
dued. Remember,  that  it  is  by  little  unsuspecting  be- 
ginnings that  this  unfortunate  vice  is  generally  con* 
tracted;  and,  when  once  confirmed,  scarcely  terminates 
but  with  hfe!  Learn,  then,  in  time,  to  resist  this  bewitch- 
ing spirit,  whenever  it  tempts  you.  Then  will  you  find 
yourself  so  perfectly  easy  without  it,  as  at  length  never 
to  regret  its  absence;  nay,  peculiarly  happy  in  having 
escaped  the  allurements  of  such  a  dangerous  and  insi- 
dious enemy. 

Those  who  pride  themselves  in  living  fast,  and  are 
bent  upon  *'  a  short  and  merry  life,"  though,  in  truth, 
it  is  a  short  and  miserable  one,  will,  doubtless,  spurn  at 
these  admonitions,  and  run  headlong  to  their  own  des- 
truction. Strange  infatuation!  Can  you  submit  to  such 
despicable  bondage,  and  tamely  give  up  your  freedom 
without  one  generous  struggle?  The  present  conflict, 
remember,  is  not  for  the  fading  laurel  or  tinselled  wreath, 
for  which  others  so  earnestly  contend,  but  for  those 
more  blooming,  more  substantial  honours,  which  Healthy 
the  daugh  er  of  Temperance^  only  can  bestow.  For  it  is 
thine,  O  Health!  and  thine  alone,  todiff*use  through  the 
human  breast  that  genial  warmth,  that  serene  sunshine 
which  glows  in  the  cheek,  shines  in  the  eye,  and  ani- 


of  Preserving  Health. 


219 


mates  the  whole  frame!  But,  if  still  you  have  no  regard 
for  this  blessing,  let  me  remind  you  of  an  hereafter! 

"  To  die — to  sleep — to  sleep?  perchance  to  dream — 

Ay,  there'' s  the  rubP^ 

If  death  was  nothing,  and  nought  after  death; 
If,  when  men  died,  at  once  they  ceas'd  to  be, 
Returning  to  the  barren  womb  of  Nothing, 
Whence  they  sprung — then  might  the  wretch 
That's  weary  of  the  world,  and  tir'd  of  life, 
At  once  give  each  inquietude  the  slip. 
By  stealing  out  of  being  when  he  pleased, 
And  by  what  way;  whether  by  hemp  or  steely 
Death's  thousand  doors  are  open.  Who  could  force 
The  ill-pleased  guest  to  sit  out  his  full  time, 
Or  blame  him  if  he  goes?  Sure,  he  does  well 
That  helps  himself  as  timely  as  he  can, 
When  able.  But  if  there's  an  hereafter^ 
And  that  there  is,  Conscience  uninfluenced. 
And  suflfer'd  to  speak  out,  tells  every  man; 
Then  must  it  be  an  awful  thing  to  die: 
More  horrid  yet  to  die  by  one's  own  hand. 
Self-murder!  dreadful  deed!  our  island's  shame, 
That  makes  her  the  reproach  of  neighb'ring  states: 
Shall  Nature^  swerving  from  her  earliest  dictates, 
Self  preservation^  fall  by  her  own  act? 
Forbid  it  Heaven!  Let  not,  upon  disgust, 
The  shameless  hand  be  foully  crimson'd  o'er 
With  blood  of  its  own  lord.  Dreadful  attempt! 
Just  reeking  from  self-slaughter,  in  a  rage 


220  On  Hygieine^  or  the  art 

To  rush  into  the  presence  of  our  Judge; 
As  if  we  challeng'd  him  to  do  his  worst, 
And  heeded  not  his  wrath, 

Blair. 

It  is  an  invariable  law  of  our  present  condition,  that 
every  pleasure  which  is  pursued  to  excess,  converts  it- 
self to  a  poison.  In  all  the  pleasures  of  sense,  it  is  appa- 
rent, that  only  when  indulged  within  certain  limits,  they 
confer  satisfaction.  No  sooner  do  we  pass  the  line  which 
temperance  has  drawn,  than  pernicious  effects  come 
forward,  and  show  themselves.  Could  we  expose  to  view 
the  monuments  of  death,  they  would  read  a  lecture  on 
moderation  much  more  powerful  than  any  that  the  most 
eloquent  writers  can  give.  You  would  behold  the  graves 
peopled  with  the  victims  of  intemperance.  You  would 
behold  those  chambers  of  darkness,  hung  round,  on 
every  side,  with  the  trophies  of  luxury,  drunkenness, 
and  sensuality.  So  numerous  would  you  find  those  vic- 
tims to  iniquity,  that  it  may  be  safe  Unasserted,  where 
war  or  pestilence  have  slain  their  thousands,  intempe- 
rate pleasure  has  slain  its  ten  thousands. 

O'er  the  dread  feast  malignant  Chemia  scowls. 
And  mingles  poison  in  the  nectar'd  bowls; 
Fell  Gout  peeps  grinning  through  the  flimsy  scene. 
And  bloated  Dropsy  pants  behind  unseen: 
Wrapp'd  in  his  robe,  white  Lepra  hides  his  stains, 
And  silent  Frenzy,  writhing,  bites  his  chains. 

Darwin. 

By  such  unhappy  excesses,  how  many  amiable  dispo- 
sitions have  been  corrupted  or  destroyed!  how  many 
rising  capacities  and  powers  have  been  suppressed!  how 
many  flattering  hopes  of  parents  and  friends  have  been  to- 
tally extinguished!  Who,  but  must  drop  a  tear  over  hu- 
man nature,  when  he  beholds  that  morning,  which  arose  so 


of  Preserving  Health, 


221 


bright,  overcast  with  such  untimely  darkness;  that  good 
humour,  which  once  captivated  all  hearts;  that  vivacity, 
which  sparkled  in  every  company;  those  abilities,  which 
were  fitted  for  adorning  the  highest  station,  all  sacrificed 
at  the  shrine  of  low  sensuality;  and  one  who  was  formed 
for  running  the  fair  career  of  life  in  the  midbt  of  pubHc 
esteem,  cut  oft'  by  his  vices  at  the  beginning  of  his. 
course,  or  sunk,  for  the  whole  of  it,  into  insignificancy 
and  contempt. 

The  Father  justly  describes  the  nature  of  this  beastly 
vice,  when  he  saith  of  it,  that  "  It  is  a  flattering  devil; 
a  sweet  poison;  a  deHghtful  sin;  which  he  that  hath, 
possesseth  not  himself;  and  he  that  acts  it,  doth  not  only 
commit  a  sin,  but  is  wholly  converted  into  sin,  being 
deserted  of  his  reason,  which  is  at  once  his  counsellor 
and  guardian."  Sometimes  he  dishonours  himself  by  that 
which  is  ridiculous;  and  at  others,  exposes  himself  to 
hazards,  by  dealing  with  things  that  are  dangerous  to 
himself  and  others. 

To  show  in  the  most  forcible  light  the  dangers  of  in- 
temperance, the  Catholic  legends  tell  us  of  one  who 
was  violently  assaulted  by  the  temptations  of  the  devil, 
to  commit  one  of  these  three  sins:  either  to  be  drunk 
once,  or  commit  adultery  with  the  wife  of  his  neighbour, 
or  else  murder  his  neighbour.  At  last,  being  overcome, 
he  yielded  to  commit  the  first,  as  judging  it  a  crime  that 
had  less  horror  in  it  than  either  of  the  other.  But,  being 
drunk,  he  was  easily  hurried  on  to  the  rest,  which  be- 
fore he  had  abhorred:  for  the  flame  of  his  lust  being 
kindled  by  his  luxury,  he  feared  not  to  violate  the  chas- 
tity  of  his  neighbour's  wife;  and  the  husband,  casually 
surprising  him,  and  desirous  to  revenge  himself  of  the 
injury  he  had  sustained,  received  a  mortal  wound  in  his 
hand,  whereof  he  soon  afterwards  died.  Thus,  he  that 
had  given  way  to  drunkenness^  was  also  involved  in  adul- 
tery and  murder, 

A  man  who  was  addicted  to  daily  drunkenness,  in  his 
cups,  as  often  as  he  had  emptied  his  pockets  of  money 
by  playing  at  cards,  used  to  swear  he  would  be  the 


On  Hygiexne^  or  the  art 


death  of  his  wife's  uncle,  because  he  refused  to  furnish 
him  with  more  money  to  spend.  This  uncle  was  a  good 
and  honest  man,  and  a  person  of  great  hospitniity.  One 
night,  when  he  entertained  a  stranger,  he  was  murdered 
by  him,  together  with  a  niece,  and  a  little  nephew^  of  his. 
The  next  morning,  this  drunkard  coming  to  the  house, 
.not  finding  the  doors  open,  and  hav  ing  knocked  for  some 
time  in  vain,  entered  the  house  by  the  assistance  of  a 
ladder,  through  one  of  the  windows.  As  soon  as  he 
spied  the  three  dead  corpses,  he  raised  the  neighbour- 
hood with  a  lamentable  cry;  and  they  suspecting  him  to 
be  the  murderer,  immediately  laid  hold  of  him,  and 
committed  him  to  prison;  and  he  was  very  soon  after- 
wards condemned  to  be  hung.  He  frequently  observed, 
That  he  did  not  think  he  committed  the  murder;  but, 
by  reason  of  his  daily  and  continual  drunkenness,  he 
could  affirm  nothing  of  a  certainty:  that  he  had  some- 
time a  will,  or  rather  an  inclination,  to  kill  his  uncle; 
but  that  he  should  never  have  touched  his  niece  or 
young  nephew."  However,  the  innocent  wretch  was  exe- 
cuted. Not  long  after,  the  execrable  murderer,  unable 
to  endure  the  hourly  tortures  which  an  avenging  God 
inflicted  upon  his  soul,  presented  himself  of  his  own 
accord  before  the  judges;  beseeching  them,  that  by  a 
speedy  death,  he  might  be  freed  from  that  hell  he  felt 
here  alive;  affirming,  that  whether  awake  or  asleep,  the 
image  of  the  child  whom  he  had  strangled,  presented 
itself  to  his  eyes,  shaking  the  furies'  whips  at  him. 
When  he  spoke  this  before  the  tribunal,  he  continually 
fanned  his  face  with  his  hands,  as  if  to  blow  off  the 
flames.  The  fact  being  evident  by  the  goods  taken, 
and  other  discoveries,  he  also  was  condemned  to  be 
hanged,  and  accordingly  was  executed. 

A  young  gentleman  of  most  respectable  parentage, 
being  rather  intemperate,  was  urged  by  his  parents  to 
marry,  thinking  that  might  produce  a  change  of  his 
habits.  He  paid  his  addresses  to  a  most  amiable  young 
lady,  of  a  fair  estate,  to  whom  he  was  soon  united  in 
wedlock.  It  was  not  many  months  after  marriage,  bc» 


of  Preserving  Health. 


223 


fore  he  resumed  his  former  habits,  and  what  with  drink- 
ing and  gambling,  he  very  soon  exhausted  the  whole  of 
her  fortune.  Executions  being  out  against  him,  he  was 
compelled  to  keep  at  home,  where  he  did  nothing  but 
get  drunk  and  abuse  his  amiable  wife.  One  night,  filled 
with  rage,  he  rebolved  to  destroy  her,  and  going  at  a  late 
hour  into  the  kitchen,  where  she  had  been  constrained  to 
retire  from  his  abuse,  he  continued  his  opprobrious  lan- 
guage to  her,  and  notwithstanding  she  gave  him  none 
but  loving  and  kind  words,  yet  he  struck  her  over  the 
head  with  alarge  stick,  which  she  bore  patiently,  although 
it  much  injured  her  face.  He  still  continuing  to  rage  at 
her;  wearied,  and  in  great  fear,  she  rose  up  and  went  to 
the  door.  Here  l>e  followed  her,  with  a  chopping  knife 
in  his  hand,  with  which  he  struck  at  her  wrist,  and  cut 
her  very  much;  no  help  being  near  but  an  old  woman, 
who  durst  not  interpose,  fearing  for  her  own  life,  who 
prayed  her  mistress  to  stay  and  be  quiet,  hoping  all 
w^ould  be  well,  and  so  getting  a  napkin,  bound  up  her 
hand  with  it.  After  this,  still  railing  and  raging  at  his 
wife,  he  struck  her  on  the  forehead  with  an  iron  cleaver, 
whereupon  she  fell  down  bleedin,^:;  but  recovering  her- 
self, upon  her  knees  she  prayed  unto  God  for  the  par- 
don of  her  own  and  her  husband's  sins,  praying  God  to 
forgive  him  as  slie  did.  But  as  she  was  thus  praying, 
the  infernal  demon,  her  husband,  split  her  skull  open 
with  the  cleaver,  so  that  she  died  immediatelv:  for 
which  he  was  apprehended,  condemned,  and  hanged. 
But  so  callous  was  the  wretch,  that  even  under  the  gal- 
lows he  did  not  exhibit  any  marks  of  repentance. 

Retreat  then  from  your  dishonourable  courses,  ye  who 
by  licentiousness,  extravagance,  and  vice,  are  abusers, 
of  the  world!  You  are  degrading,  you  are  ruining  your^ 
selves.  You  are  grossly  misemploying  the  gifts  of  Gody 
and  mistake  your  true  interest.  Awake,  then,  to  the 
pursuits  of  men  of  virtue  and  honour.  Break  loose  from 
that  magic  circle,  within  which  you  are  at  present  held. 
Reject  the  poisonous  cup  which  the  enchantress  Plea- 
sure  holds  up  to  your  lips.  Draw  aside  the  veil,  which 


224 


On  Hygieine^  or  the  art 


she  throws  over  your  eyes.  You  will  then  see  other  ob- 
jects than  you  now  behold.  You  will  see  an  abyss  open- 
ing below  your  feet.  You  will  see  Virtue  and  Tempe- 
rance marking  out  the  road  which  conducts  to  true 
felicity. 

You  stand  upon  eternity's  dread  brink; 
Faith  and  repentance  seek  with  earnest  prayer, 
Despise  this  world,  the  next  be  all  your  care. 

Trapp. 

It  is  a  lamentable  fact,  so  great  is  the  infatuation  of 
this  vice,  that  few,  once  deluded,  have  ever  after  reco- 
vered their  freedom.  Some  glorious  instances,  however, 
have  occurred,  which  is  surely  fine  encouragement  to 
others.  We  also  have  liie  pleasure  to  find  none  are 
greater  enemies  to  vice,  than  those  who  formerly  were 
the  slaves  of  it,  and  have  been  so  fortunate  as  to  break 
their  chain  and  recover  their  liberty. 

A  medical  gentleman  in  Virginia,  who  was  married 
to  a  most  amiable  lady,  by  associating  with  dissipated 
characters,  became  at  length  intemperate  himself.  As 
soon  as  he  acquired  habits  of  intemperance,  his  dispor 
sition  was  altered,  and  from  an  affectionate  husband  he 
proved  very  turbulent,  and  treated  his  wife  so  ill  that 
she  was  constrained  to  separate  from  him.  After  living  a 
disorderly  life  for  some  time,  he  was  brought  to  a  sense 
of  reflection,  and  with  an  entire  change  of  mind  and 
manners,  he  renounced  all  vicious  habits,  plead  guilty 
before  his  amiable  wife,  who  was  ready  to  forgive,  and 
thev  have  since  lived  in  the  utmost  harmonv.  So  sensi- 
ble  is  he  of  the  danger  of  using  spirituous  and  vinous 
liquors  to  excess,  that  he  will  not  taste  them,  lest  he 
should  be  enticed  to  exceed  the  bounds  of  moderation; 
and  whenever  he  sees  a  person  so  inclined,  never  fails 
to  caution  him  against  so  insidious  an  enemy. 


of  Preserving  Health, 


225 


A  gentleman  in  Maryland,  who  was  addicted  to 
drunkenness,  hearing  a  considerable  uproar  in  his 
kitchen  one  night,  felt  the  curiosity  to  step  without 
noise  to  the  door,  to  know  what  was  the  matter;  when, 
behold,  they  were  all  indulging  in  the  most  unbounded 
roars  of  laughter,  at  a  couple  of  his  negro  boys,  who 
were  mimickmg  himself  in  his  drunken  fits! — as,  how 
he  reeled  and  staggered;  l#iv  he  looked  and  nodded, 
and  hickupped  and  tumbled!  The  pictures  which  these 
children  of  nature  drew  of  him,  and  which  had  filled 
the  rest  with  such  inexhaustible  merriment,  struck  him 
with  so  salutary  a  disgust,  that  from  that  night  he  be- 
came perfecdy  a  sober  man,  to  the  inexpressible  joy  of 
his  wife  and  children. 

A  very  respectable  gentleman  in  Philadelphia,  had  a 
wife  who,  by  her  fondness  for  strong  drink,  had  almost 
broken  his  heart.  At  length  he  was  advised,  *'  as  a  des- 
perate remedy  in  a  desperate  disease,"  to  place  a  barrel 
of  spirits  in  her  closet,  and  let  her  kill  herself  as  soon  as 
possible,  since  every  persuasive  means  had  been  used 
in  vain  to  break  her  of  this  beastly  vice.  At  the  sight  of 
so  extraordinary  a  visitant  in  her  closet,  she  was  struck 
with  such  horror  at  the  idea  of  the  dreadful  design  on 
which  it  was  placed  there,  that  she  was  immediately  re- 
claimed, and  recovered  all  the  purity  and  lustre  of  her 
former  character,  to  the  infinite  joy  of  her  husband, 
children  and  numerous  friends. 

Colonel  Gardiner^  a  gentleman  of  fortune,  who,  to  all 
the  advantages  of  a  liberal  and  religious  education,  added 
every  accomplishment  that  could  render  him  most  agree- 
able; early  entered  into  the  army,  and  was  soon  called 
into  actual  service,  at  which  time  he  behaved  with  a 
gallantry  and  courage  which  will  always  give  a  splendour 
to  his  name  among  the  British  soldiery,  and  render  him, 
in  this  respect,  an  example  worthy  of  their  imitation. 
But,  alas!  amidst  all  the  intrepidity  of  the  martial  hero, 
yoxx  see  him  vanquished  by  the  blandishments  of  plea- 
sure, and  plunging  into  the  most  criminal  excesses. 

2F 


226 


On  Hygieine^  or  the  art 


Before  he  had  attained  the  age  of  twenty-two,  he  fought 
three  duels.  In  the  battle  of  Ramillies,  he  was  shot 
through  the  neck,  and  by  a  singular  intervention,  as  it 
were  of  Providence,  when  the  strippers  of  the  dead  came 
to  him,  and  had  taken  up  an  instrument,  wholly  to 
abolish  life,  being  faint  and  speechless  from  loss  of 
blood,  a  friar  interfered,  and  some  spirits  being  given 
him,  he  was  revived,  and#iade  prisoner.  He  still,  how- 
ever, lived  without  a  sense  of  God  or  religion.  After  his 
exchange  he  rose  gradually  in  the  army,  till  at  last  he 
became  aid-de-camp  to  Lord  Stair.  He  then  went  to 
Paris  during  the  reign  of  the  Duke  of  Orleans,  and 
lived  in  a  court,  the  most  dissolute  in  the  world.  What, 
by  a  wretched  abuse  of  words,  is  styled  gallantry,  was 
the  whole  business  of  his  life;  and  his  fine  constitution, 
fascinating  person,  and  elegant  address,  gave  him  full 
opportunity  of  indulging  in  every  excess,  so  that  he 
generally  went  by  the  name  of  the  happy  Englishman. 
When  returning  to  England,  as  he  was  going  post  upon 
a  French  horse,  the  animal  fell  vvidi  him,  and  he  was 
picked  up  for  dead.  When  in  the  packet-boat,  a  few 
weeks  after,  a  violent  storm  arose,  and  the  vessel  was 
in  so  much  danger,  that  the  captain  us  ged  all  to  prayers. 
It  was  then  tiiat  colonel  Gardiner  first  seriously  consi- 
dered the  follies  and  crimes  he  had  been  guilty  of;  that 
he  was  not  sent  into  the  world  for  nought;  that  he  had 
neglected  the  part  assigned  him;  had  degraded  his  own 
nature;  and,  instead  of  being  useful,  had  been  hurtful 
among  those  with  whom  he  had  acquaintance.  What 
account  had  he  to  give  to  his  Maker?  Self- condemned, 
polluted  by  so  many  crimes,  how  was  he  to  find  mercy 
in  the  sight  of  God?  Hence  an  overwhelmed  and  de- 
jected mind;  hence  that  wounded  spirit,  which  who  can 
bear?  His  prayer  was  long  and  fervent,  and  troubled 
with  many  tears.  The  mercy  of  God  was  again  shown 
him,  but  among  his  giddy  and  dissolute  companions,  he  j 
soon  afterwards  endeavoured  to  excuse  himself  the 
scandal  of  "  having  prayed."  Some  time  after,  having 
made  an  assignation  with  a  married  lady,  to  kill  time,  he 
went  to  a  neighbour's  house,  and  the  master  being  sud' 


of  Preserving  Health. 


227 


denly  called  out,  he  stumbled  upon  a  book  which  was 
called  the  Christian  Soldier;  as  the  hour  was  not  yet  ar- 
rived, he  took  up  this  book,  and  from  the  title  had  the 
curiosity  to  dip  into  it.  Some  passages  struck  his  atten- 
tion, and  he  read  on  till  he  fell  asleep.  He  dreamt  he 
saw  an  unusual  blaze  of  light  poured  upon  the  book, 
and  he  afterwards  had  a  strong  visual  representation  of 
the  Lord  Jesus  Christ  upon  the  cross,  surrounded  on  all 
sides  with  glory,  who  addressed  him  as  an  ungrateful 
sinner,  despising  the  numerous  mercies  shown  him." 
When  he  awoke,  the  impression  was  so  vivid,  that  he 
could  scarce  conceive  it  had  been  a  dream;  he  then 
looked  back  with  horror  on  his  past  life;  he  would  fain 
have  kneeled  down  and  asked  pardon  of  God,  but  he 
thought  he  was  a  monster  as  yet  too  vile  to  supplicate 
Heaven.  He  never  once  rememl)ered  the  assignation, 
but  went  home,  and  passed  this  and  the  three  succeed- 
ing nights  without  the  refreshment  of  sleep,  in  fasting 
and  prayer.  His  mind  was  continually  taken  up  in  re- 
flecting on  the  Divine  purity  and  goodness;  the  grace 
which  had  been  proposed  to  him  in  the  Gospel,  and 
which  he  had  rejected;  the  singular  advantages  he  had 
enjoyed  and  abused;  the  many  mercies  he  had  received 
and  despised;  with  the  vain  folly  of  that  career  of  plea- 
sure, which  he  had  been  running  with  desperate  eager- 
ness: all  roused  his  indignation  against  the  great  De- 
ceiver, by  whom,  to  use  his  own  expression,  he  had 
been  so  wretchedly  befooled!"  Thus  the  whole  frame 
and  disposition  of  his  soul  was  new-modelled  and 
changed;  and  he  became,  and  continued  to  the  last,  a 
most  pious  and  exemplary  Christian. 

Repent,  believe,  and  mourn  your  errors  past, 
And  live  each  day  as  though  it  were  your  last. 

Rural  Christian. 

O  Tempera7ice!  thou  support  and  attendant  of  other 
virtues!  Thou  preserver  and  restorer  of  health!  Thou 
maintainer  of  the  dignity  and  liberty  of  rational  beings, 
from  the  wretched,  mhuman  slavery  of  Sensuality, 


228 


On  Hy^ieine^  or  the  art 


Taste,  Custom,  and  Example!  Thou  brightener  of  the 
understanding  and  memory!  Thou  sweetener  of  life  and 
all  its  comforts!  Thou  companion  of  reason,  and  guar- 
dian of  the  passions!  Thou  bountiful  rewarder  of  thy 
admirers  and  followers!  how  do  thine  excellencies  extort 
the  unwilling  commendations  of  thine  enemies!  and 
with  what  rapturous  delight  can  thy  friends  raise  up  a 
panegyric  in  thy  praise! 


OF  VANITY. 

So  weak  are  huinari  kind  by  Nature  made. 
Or  to  such  weakness  by  their  vice  betray'd; 
Almight .  VA>  n  y1  to  thee  they  owe 
Their  zest  of  pleasure,  and  their  balm  of  woe. 

Young. 

Vanity  consists  of  an  agreeable  reverie;  and  is  well 
ridiculed  in  the  story  of  Narcissus,  who  so  long  con- 
templated his  own  beatiful  image  in  the  water,  that  he 
died  from  neglect  of  taking  sustenance. 

On  the  green  margin  sits  the  youth,  and  laves 
His  floating  train  of  tresses  in  the  waves;  ^ 
Sees  his  fair  features  paint  the  streams  that  pass, 
And  bends  for  ever  o'er  the  watery  glass. 

Darwin. 

As  the  vain  found  their  claims  on  qualities  which 
they  do  not  possess,  they  frequently  meet  with  mortifi- 
cations; while  their  extreme  solicitude  for  distinctions 
they  are  not  entitled  to,  can  never  allow  them  any  re- 
pose; hence  vanity  is  an  enemy  to  health. 


of  Preserving  Health, 


229 


Observe  a  lady  at  a  ball,  anxious  to  be  thought  the 
finest  woman  in  the  assembly,  and  doubrful  of  success. 
The  pleasure,  which  it  is  the  purpose  of  die  assembly 
to  enjoy,  is  lost  to  her.  She  does  not  for  a  momtnt  ex- 
perience such  a  sensation;  for  it  is  totally  absoibed  by 
the  prevailing  sentiment,  and  the  pains  that  she  takes  to 
conceal  it.  She  watches  the  looks,  the  most  trivial  marks 
of  the  opinion  of  the  company,  with  the  attention  of  a 
moralist,  and  the  anxiety  of  a  politician;  and  wishing  to 
conceal  from  every  eye  the  torments  she  fetls,  her  affec- 
tation of  gaiety  at  the  triumph  of  a  rival;  tlie  turbu- 
lence of  her  conversation  when  that  rival  is  applauded; 
the  over-acted  rep^ard  which  she  expresses  for  her;  and 
the  unnecessary  efforts  which  she  makes,  betray  her  suf- 
ferings and  her  constraint.  Grace,  that  supreme  charm 
of  beauty,  never  displays  itself  but  when  the  mind  is 
perfectly  at  ease,  and  when  confidence  prevails.  Uneasi- 
ness and  restraint  obscure  those  advantages  which  we 
possess;  the  countenance  is  contracted  by  every  pang 
which  self  love  occasions.  We  very  soon  discover  the 
change;  and  the  vexation  the  discovery  produces,  still 
augments  the  evil  which  it  is  desirous  to  repair.  Vexa- 
tion increases  upon  vexation,  and  the  object  is  rendered 
more  remote  by  the  very  desire  of  possession.  In  this 
picture  too,  which,  we  should  think,  ought  only  to  re- 
mind us  of  the  caprices  of  a  child,  we  recognize  the 
sufferings  of  maturer  age,  the  emotions  which  lead  to 
despair,  and  to  a  detestation  of  life. 

Dominicus  Sylvius,  Duke  of  Venice,  married  a  gen- 
tlewoman of  Constantinople.  She  plunged  into  sen- 
suality with  so  much  profusion,  that  she  could  not  en- 
dure to  lodge  but  in  chambers  full  of  delicious  perfumes; 
she  would  not  wash  herself  but  in  the  dews  of  heaven, 
which  must  be  preserved  for  her  with  much  skill:  her 
garments  were  so  pompous,  that  nothing  remained  but 
to  seek  for  new  stuffs  in  heaven,  for  she  had  exhausted 
the  treasures  of  earth:  her  viands  were  so  dainty,  that 
all  the  mouths  of  kings  tasted  none  so  exquisite;  nor 
would  she  touch  her  meat  but  with  golden  forks  and 


230 


On  HygieinCj  or  the  art 


precious  stones.  God,  to  punish  this  pride  and  super- 
fluity, cast  her  on  a  bed,  and  assailed  her  with  a  malady 
so  stinking  and  frightful,  that  all  her  nearest  kindred 
were  forced  to  abandon  her;  and  none  stayed  about  her 
but  a  poor  old  woman,  thoroughly  accustomed  to  stench 
and  death.  The  delicate  Seniora  was  infected  with  her 
own  perfumes  in  such  a  manner,  that  from  all  her  body 
there  began  to  drop  a  most  stinking  humour,  and  a 
kind  of  matter  so  filthy  to  behold,  and  so  noisome  to 
the  smell,  that  every  man  plainly  perceived  that  her  dis- 
solute and  excessive  daintiness  had  caused  the  infection 
in  her. 

If  a  beautiful,  proud,  and  gay  woman,  would  but  se- 
riously reflect  on  what  a  loathsome  carcase  she  must  ere 
long  become  in  the  grave,  amidst  worms  and  corrup- 
tion, it  would  tend  to  mortify  her  pride,  lessen  her  va- 
nity, and  teach  her  to  be  humble. 

Ye  proud,  ambitious,  wealthy,  young,  and  gay, 
Who  drink  the  spirit  of  the  golden  day, 
And  triumph  in  existence,  come  with  me, 
And  in  the  mould'ring  corpse  your  picture  see, 
What  you,  and  all,  must  soon  or  later  be. 

Solitary  Walks. 

Pride,  well  placed  and  rightly  defined,  is  of  ambigu- 
ous signification,  says  the  late  incomparable  Marquis  of 
Halifax;  one  kind  ot  it  is  as  much  a  virtue  as  the  other 
is  a  vice.  But  we  are  naturally  so  apt  to  chose  the  worst, 
that  it  has  become  dangerous  to  commend  the  best  side 
of  it.  Pride  is  a  sly^  insensible  enemy,  that  wounds  the 
soul  unseen,  and  many  that  have  resisted  other  formi- 
dable vices,  have  been  ruined  by  this  subtle  invader; 
for,  though  we  smile  to  ourselves,  at  least  ironically, 
when  flatterers  bedaub  us  with  false  encomiums;  though 
we  seem  many  times  angry,  and  blush  at  our  praises; 
yet  our  souls  inwardly  rejoice;  we  are  pleased  with  it, 


of  Preserving  Health. 


231 


and  forget  ourselves.  Some  are  proud  of  their  quality, 
and  despise  all  below  it;  first,  set  it  up  for  the  idol  of  a 
vain  imagination,  and  then  their  reason  must  fall  down 
and  worship  it.  They  would  have  the  world  think,  that 
no  amends  can  be  made  for  the  want  of  a  great  title. 
They  imagine,  that  with  this  advantage,  they  stand  upon 
the  higher  ground,  which  makes  them  look  down  upon 
merit  and  virtue  as  things  inferior  to  them.  Some,  and 
most  commonly  women,  are  proud  of  their  fine  clothes; 
and  when  they  have  less  wit  and  sense  than  the  rest  of 
their  neighbours,  comfort  themselves  with  the  reflection 
that  they  have  more  lace.  Some  ladies  put  so  much 
weight  upon  ornaments,  that  if  one  could  see  into  their 
hearts,  it  would  be  found  that  even  the  thought  of  death 
was  made  less  heavy  to  them,  by  the  contemplation  of 
their  being  laid  out  in  state,  and  honourably  attended 
to  the  grave.  The  man  of  letters  is  proud  of  the  esteem 
the  world  gives  him  for  his  knowledge;  but  he  might 
easily  cure  himself  of  that  disease,  by  considering  how 
muchjearning  he  wants.  The  military  man  is  proud  of 
some*reat  action  performed  by  him,  when  possibly  it 
was  more  owing  to  fortune  than  his  own  valour  or  con- 
duct: and  some  are  proud  of  their  ignorance,  and  have 
as  much  reason  to  be  so  as  any  of  the  rest;  for  they  be- 
ing also  compared  with  others  in  the  same  character  and 
condition,  will  find  their  defects  exceed  their  acquisi- 
tions. 

O,  sons  of  earth!  attempt  ye  still  to  rise, 
By  mountains  pil'd  on  mountains  to  the  skies? 
Heaven  still  with  laughter  the  vain  toil  surveys, 
And  buries  madmen  in  the  heaps  they  raise. 

Pope. 

Hannibal  was  so  exalted  with  the  victory  he  had  won 
at  Cannas,  that  afterwards  he  admitted  not  any  of  the 
citizens  of  Carthage  into  his  camp,  nor  gave  answer  to 
any  but  by  an  interpreter.  Also,  when  Maherbal  said,at 
his  tent  door,    That  he  had  found  out  a  way  whereby 


232 


On  Hygieine^  or  the  art 


in  a  few  days,  if  he  pleased,  he  might  sup  in  the  capi- 
tol,"  he  despised  him.  So  hard  is  it  for  felicity  and  mo- 
deration to  keep  company  together. 

Alcibiades  had  his  mind  exceedingly  puffed  up  with 
pride,  upon  the  account  of  his  riches  and  large  posses- 
sions in  land;  which,  when  Socrates  observed,  he  took 
him  along  with  him  to  a  place  where  was  hung  up  a 
map  of  the  world,  and  desired  him  to  find  out  Attica  in 
that  map;  which,  when  he  had  done,  Now,"  said  he, 
'*  find  me  out  your  own  lands:"  and  when  he  replied, 
that  "  They  w«^re  not  all  set  down;"  "  How  is  it  then," 
said  Socrates,  **  that  thou  art  grown  proud  of  the  pos- 
session of  that  which  is  no  part  of  the  earth." 

A  person  of  infinite  wit,  speaking  of  what  might  pre- 
cisely be  called  a  proud  and  vain  man,  once  said, 
*'  When  I  see  hini,  I  feel  somethug  like  the  pleasure  of 
seeing  a  happy  couple;  his  self-love  and  he  live  so  happily 
together.'^  ^ 

I  once  saw,  says  Dr.  Darwin,  a  handsome  young 
man,  who  had  been  so  much  flattered  by  his  parents, 
that  his  vanity  rose  so  near  to  insanity,  that  one  might 
discern,  by  his  perpetwal  attention  to  himself,  and  the 
difficulty  with  which  he  arranged  his  conversation,  that 
the  idea  of  himself  intruded  itself  at  every  comma,  or 
pause  of  his  discourse. 

I  dreamt  that,  buried  with  my  fellow  clay, 
Close  by  a  common  beggar's  side  I  lay; 
And  as  so  mean  an  object  shoek'd  my  pride, 
Thus  like  a  corpse  of  consequence  I  cried: 
Scoundrel,  begone!  and  henceforth  touch  me  not, 
More  manners  learn,  and  at  a  distance  rot. 
*'  Scoundrel,  then,"  with  haughtier  tone  cried  he, 
"  Proud  lump  of  earth,  I  scorn  thy  words  and  thee; 


of  Preserving  Health. 


233 


Here  all  are  equal,  now  thy  case  is  mine, 
This  is  my  rotting  place,  and  that  is  thine." 

DoOD. 

The  cure  of  vanity  may  be  attempted  by  excess  of 
flattery,  which  will  at  length  appear  ridiculous,  or,  by 
its  familiarity,  will  cease  to  be  desired.  I  remember, 
says  Dr.  Darwin,  to  have  heard  a  story  of  a  nobleman, 
in  the  court  of  France,  who  was  so  disagreeably  vain  in 
conversation,  that  the  king  was  pleased  to  direct  his 
cure,  which  was  thus  performed.  Two  gentlemen  were 
directed  always  to  attend  him;  one  was  to  stand  behind 
his  chair,  and  the  other  at  a  respectful  distance  before 
him:  whenever  his  lordship  began  to  speak,  one  of  them 
always  pronounced,  "  Lord  Gallimaufre  is  going  to  say 
the  best  thing  in  the  world."  And,  as  soon  as  his  lord- 
ship had  done  speaking,  the  other  attendant  pronounced. 
Lord  Gallimaufre  has  spoken  the  best  thing  in  the 
world."  Till,  in  a  few  weeks,  this  noble  lord  was  so 
disgusted  with  praise,  that  he  ceased  to  be  vain,  and  his 
majesty  dismissed  his  keepers. 


OF  MODESTY- 

Hait.,  Modesty  I  fail*  female  honour  h&U! 
Beauty's  chief  oniamer.ty  without  whose  charms 
Beauty  disgusts,  or  gives  but  vulg-ar  joys. 
Thou  gii/st  the  smile  its  grace;  the  heightened  kiss 
Its  balmy  essence  s-^ceetf 

Armstronc. 

Modesty  is  to  virtue,  what  a  fine  veil  is  to  beauty. 
It  is  one  of  the  most  distinguishing  and  attractive  cha- 
racteristics of  the  female  sex.  It  comprises  the  beauties 
of  the  mind,  as  well  as  those  of  the  body;  and  it  not 
only  heightens  the  desire  of  the  male,  but  deters  him 

2G 


234 


On  Hygieine,  or  the  art 


from  rudeness  and  improper  behaviour  It  is,  therefore, 
the  interest  of  the  men  to  cherish,  and  not  to  injure,  by 
indelicacy,  a  quality  from  which  they  derive  so  much 
pleasure  and  advantage. 

I  remember,  says  a  female  author  of  great  distinction, 

the  count  M  ,  one  of  the  most  accomplished  young 

men  in  Vienna,  when  I  was  there;  he  was  passionately 
in  love  with  a  girl  of  peerless  beauty.  She  was  the  daugh- 
ter of  a  man  of  great  rank  and  influence  at  court;  and, 
on  these  considerations,  as  well  as  in  regard  to  her 
charms,  she  was  followed  by  a  multitude  of  suitors.  She 
was  lively  and  amiable,  and  treated  them  all  with  an  affa- 
bihty  which  still  kept  them  in  her  train,  although  it  was 
generally  known  that  she  had  avowed  a  predilection  for 
the  count,  and  that  preparations  were  making  for  their 
nuptials.  The  count  was  of  a  refined  mind  and  delicate 
sensibility;  he  loved  her  for  herself  alone;  for  the  virtues 
which  he  believed  dwelt  in  her  beautiful  form;  and,  like 
a  lover  of  such  perfections,  he  never  approached  her 
wiihout  timidity;  and  when  he  touched  her,  a  fire  shot 
through  his  veins  that  warned  him  not  to  invade  the 
vermilion  sanctuary  of  her  lips.  Such  were  his  feelings, 
when,  one  night,  at  his  intended  flither-in-law's,  a  party 
of  young  people  were  met  to  celebrate  a  certain  festi- 
val; several  of  the  young  lady's  rejected  suitors  were 
present.  Forfeits  were  one  of  the  pastimes,  and  all  went 
on  with  a  grateful  merriment,  till  the  count  was  com- 
manded, by  some  witty  Mademoiselle,  to  redeem  his 
glove  by  saluting  the  cheek  of  his  intended  bride.  The 
count  blushed,  trembled,  advanced  to  his  mistress,  re- 
treated, advanced  again — and  iit  last,  with  a  tremor  that 
shook  every  fibre  in  his  frame,  with  a  modest  grace,  he 
put  the  soft  ringlets,  which  played  upon  her  cheek,  to 
his  lips,  and  retired  to  demand  his  redeemed  pledge,  in 
evident  confusion.  His  mistress  gaily  smiled,  and  the 
game  went  on.  One  of  her  rejected  suitors,  but  who 
was  of  a  merry,  unthinking  disposition,  was  adjudged 
by  the  same  indiscreet  crier  of  the  forfeits,  to  snatch  a 
kiss  from  the  lips  of  the  object  of  his  recent  vows.  A 


of  Presemng  Health, 


235 


lively  contest  between  the  lady  and  gentleman  lasted  for 
a  minute!  but  the  lady  yielded,  though  in  the  mids^  of  a 
convulsive  laugh.  And  the  count  had  the  mortification, 
the  agony,  to  see  the  lips,  which  his  passionate  and  de- 
licate love  would  not  allow  him  to  touch,  kissed  with 
roughness  by  another  man,  and  one  whom  he  despised. 
Without  a  word,  he  rose  from  his  chair,  and  left  the 
room,  and  the  house — and  never  saw  her  more!  Thus, 
by  that  good-natured  kiss,  the  fair  boast  of  Vienna  lost 
her  husband  and  her  lover. 

"  Learn,  then,  ye  fair,  to  keep  the  person  sacred; 

 like  the  pure  mind, 

Be  that  array 'd  in  modest  dignity: 

Nor  e'en  its  beauties  flauntingly  expose — 

Thus  may  ye  keep  the  heart  your  charms  have  won. 

The  attractive  grace  and  powerful  charm  of  Modesty, 
cannot  be  better  illustrated,  than  by  relating  the  follow- 
ing interesting  narrative. 

Charlotte  Corday  was  tall  and  well- shaped,  of  the 
most  graceful  manners  and  modest  demeanour;  there 
was  in  her  countenance,  which  was  beautiful  and  enga- 
ging, and  in  all  her  movements,  a  mixture  of  softness 
and  dignity,  which  were  evident  indications  of  a  hea- 
venly mind.  She  came  to  Paris,  and  under  a  feigned 
pretext  gained  admission  to  that  republican  tyrant,  Marat, 
in  whose  breast  she  plunged  a  dagger,  acknowledged  the 
deed,  and  justified  it,  by  asserting  that  it  was  a  duty  she 
owed  her  country  and  mankind,  to  rid  the  world  of  such 
a  monster.  Her  deportment  during  her  trial  was  modest 
and  dignified.  There  was  so  engaging  a  softness  in  her 
countenance,  that  it  was  difficult  to  conceive  how  she 
could  have  armed  herself  with  sufficient  intrepidity  to 
execute  the  deed.  Her  answers  to  the  questions  of  the 
tribunal,  were  full  of  point  and  energy.  She  sometimes 
surprised  the  audience  by  her  xvit,  and  excited  their  ad- 
miration by  her  eloquence.  Her  face  sometimes  beamed 


236 


On  Hygieine,  or  the  art 


with  suhlimity,  and  was  sometimes  covered  with  smiles. 
She  retired  while  the  jury  deliberated  on  their  verdict; 
and  when  she  again  entered  the  tribunal,  there  was  a 
majestic  solemnity  in  her  demeanour,  which  perfectly 
became  her  situation.  She  heard  her  sentence  with  at- 
tention and  composure,  and  left  the  court  with  serenity^ 
her  mind  being  long  before  prepared  even  for  the  last 
scene.  It  is  difficult  to  conceive  the  heroism  which  she 
displayed  in  the  way  to  execution.  There  was  such  an 
air  of  chastened  exultation  thrown  over  her  countenance, 
that  she  inspired  sentiments  of  love,  rather  than  pity. 
The  spectators,  as  she  passed,  uncovered  their  heads 
before  her,  and  others  gave  loud  tokens  of  applause. 
She  ascended  the  scaffold  with  undaunted  firmness. 
When  the  executioner  informed  her  that  her  feet  must 
be  tied  to  the  fatal  plank,  she  submitted  with  a  smile. 
When  he  took  off  her  handkerchief,  the  moment  before 
she  bent  under  the  fatal  stroke,  she  blushed  deeply;  and 
her  head,  which  was  held  up  to  the  multitude  the 
moment  after,  exhibited  the  last  impression  of  offended 
modesty. 

Such  an  instance  of  a  young  female,  given  up  to  de- 
struction, and  yet  so  tremblingly  alive  to  modesty,  that 
even  in  her  last  moments  she  resents  the  slightest  insult 
to  that,  more  than  she  dreads  the  executioner's  axe,  is 
a  display  of  the  charm,  as  well  as  the  force  of  virtue 
triumphant  over  death,  that  deserves  to  be  preserved 
in  everlasting  remembrance.  Its  effects  on  the  crowd 
beggared  all  description.  Admiration  held  the  gazing 
thousands  mute.  And  though,  while  gazing  on  her 
cheeks  yet  divinely  enriched  with  the  blush  of  deathless 
modesty,  they  shed  their  tears  over  her  untimely  fate; 
still  their  joy-glistening  eyes  seemed  to  thank  her  for 
such  a  proof  of  the  divinity  of  virtue,  and  the  birthright 
of  innocence  to  heaven.  One  of  the  spectators,  a  young 
man,  by  the  name  of  Lux,  had  his  feelings  wrought  to 
such  an  adoration  of  her  virtues,  that  he  proposed  in  a 
pamphlet  published  the  day  after,  to  erect  a  monument 
to  her  honour,  and  to  inscribe  it  wdth  these  words: — 
GREATER  THAN  BRUTUS.— He  was  instantly 


of  Preserving  Health, 


231 


sentenced  to  the  guillotine.  He  received  the  news  with 
jov,  and  died  exulting  that  he  had  the  honour  of  being 
offered  up  at  the  same  ahar  with  the  immaculate  Char- 
lotte Corday, 

Modesty  is  one  of  the  chiefest  moral  virtues  in  itself, 
and  an  excellent  stock  to  graft  all  others  on.  Other  quali- 
fications have  their  abatements  agreeable  to  their  use  de- 
signed, and  the  opinion  the  world  has  of  their  owners; 
but  modesty  is  a  virtue  which  never  feels  the  weight  of 
censure;  for  it  silences  envy  by  meriting  esteem,  and  is 
beloved,  commended,  and  approved  wheresoever  it  is 
found.  It  is  the  truest  glass  to  dress  by,  the  choicest  di- 
rector of  our  discourses,  and  a  sure  guide  in  all  our  ac- 
tions. It  gives  rules  in  forming  our  looks,  gestures,  and 
conversations;  and  has  obtained  such  an  esteem  among 
the  judicious,  that  though  mode  or  art  be  wanting,  it  will 
either  cover,  excuse,  or  supply  all  defects;  because  it  is 
guarded  by  an  aversion  to  what  is  criminal,  an  utter  dis- 
like of  what  is  offensive,  and  a  contempt  of  what  is  ab- 
surd, foolish,  or  ridiculous.  It  is  the  great  ornament  of 
both  sexes;  for  those  that  have  forfeited  their  modesty, 
are  reckoned  among  the  worthless,  that  will  never  come 
to  any  thing  but  shame,  scandal,  and  derision:  and  in- 
deed the  deformity  of  immodesty  well  considered,  is 
instruction  enough,  from  the  same  reason,  that  the  sight 
of  a  drunkard  is  a  better  sermon  against  that  vice,  than 
the  best  that  w^as  ever  preached  upon  the  subject. 

The  Milesian  virgins  were  in  limes  past  taken  with 
a  strange  distemper,  of  which  the  cause  could  not  then 
be  found  out;  for  all  of  them  had  a  desire  of  death,  and 
a  furious  itch  of  strangling  themselves:  many  finished 
their  days  this  way  in  private:  neither  the  prayers  nor 
tears  of  their  parents,  nor  the  consolation  of  their  friends 
prevailed;  but,  being  more  subtle  and  witty  than  those 
that  were  set  to  observe  them,  they  daily  thus  died  by 
their  own  liands.  It  was  therefore  thought  that  this 
dreadful  thing  came  to  pass  by  the  express  will  of  the 
gods,  and  was  greater  than  could  be  provided  against 


238 


On  Hygieine^  or  the  art 


by  human  industry.  At  last,  according  to  the  advice  of  a 
wise  man,  the  council  set  forth  this  edict:  "  That  every 
such  virgin  as  from  henceforth  should  lay  violent  hands 
upon  herself,  should,  dead  as  she  was,  be  carried  stark 
naked  along  the  market-place."  By  which  means  not 
only  they  were  restrained  from  their  killing  themselves, 
but  also  their  desire  of  dying  was  utterly  extinguished. 
A  strange  thing,  that  those  who  tremble  not  at  death, 
the  most  formidable  of  all  things,  should  yet  through  an 
innate  modesty,  not  be  able  to  conceive  in  their  minds, 
much  less  endure  a  wrong  to  their  modesty,  though 
dead. 

Plutarch  observes,  that  as  thisdes,  though  noxious 
things  in  themselves,  are  usually  signs  of  an  excellent 
ground  wherein  they  grow;  so  bashfulness,  though 
many  times  a  weakness  and  bttrayer  of  ihe  mind,  is  yet 
generally  an  argument  of  a  soul  ingenuously  and  virtu- 
ously inclined. 

We  read  of  many,  who,  through  modesty  and  fear, 
when  they  were  to  speak  publicly,  have  been  so  disap- 
pointed, that  they  were  forced  to  hold  Their  tongue. 
Thus  Cicero  writes  of  Cario,  that  being  to  plead  in  a 
cause  before  the  senate,  he  was  not  able  to  speak  what 
he  had  premeditated.  Also,  Theoprastus  being  to  speak 
before  the  people  of  Athens,  was  on  a  sudden  so  depri- 
ved of  memory,  that  he  remained  silent.  The  same  hap- 
pened to  the  famous  Demosthenes  in  the  presence  of 
king  Philip.  Nor  are  we  ignorant  that  the  like  misfor- 
tunes have  befallen  many  excellent  persons  in  our 
times. 

An  Athenian,  of  decrepid  age,  came  into  the  theatre 
at  Athens,  on  a  public  night,  when  it  was  very  much 
crowded.  He  went  to  that  part  of  the  house  where  his 
young  countrymen  were  sitting,  but  instead  of  making 
room  for  him,  they  closed  their  ranks.  By  chance  he 
came  to  the  place  where  sat  some  young  Lacedemonians 
of  the  first  distinction,  who,  moved  with  the  age  of  the 


of  Preserving  Health, 


239 


man,  in  reverence  to  his  years  and  hoary  hairs,  rose  up, 
and  placeH  him  in  an  honourable  seat  amongst  them; 
which,  when  the  people  beheld,  vviih  aloud  applause, 
they  approved  the  modesty  of  another  city.  At  which 
one  of  the  Lacedemonians  said,  it  appears  that  the 
Athenians  do  understand  what  is  to  be  done,  but  they 
neglect  the  practice  of  it." 

These  young  Lacedemonians  were  Heathens.  How 
devoutly  were  it  to  be  wished,  that  all  young  Christians 
would  copv  so  fair  an  example,  and  learn  to  treat  seniori- 
ty widi  a  respect  equally  amiable  and  endearing. 

That  was  a  modesty  w^orthy  of  eternal  praise,  of  God- 
frey of  Bulloign.  By  the  universal  consent  of  the  whole 
army  he  was  saluted  king  of  Jerusalem,  upon  the  taking 
of  it  out  of  the  hands  of  the  Saracens:  there  was  also 
brought  him  a  crown  of  gold,  sparkling  with  jewels,  to 
be  set  upon  his  head;  but  he  put  it  by,  saying,  "  it  was 
most  unfit  for  him,  who  was  a  mortal  man,  a  servant, 
and  a  sinner,  to  be  there  crowned  with  gems  and  gold, 
where  Christ,  the  Son  of  God,  who  made  heaven  and 
earth,  was  crowned  w^ith  thorns." 


OF  DRESS. 

If  the  rude  verse  that  now  detains  your  ear, 
Should  to  one  female  heart  conviction  bear; 
Recall  one  gentler  mind  from  Fashion's  crew, 
To  give  to  Nature  what  is  Nature's  due; 
— Whilst  others  mount  the  arduous  heights  of  fame. 
To  wake  your  feelings  be  my  nobler  aim: 
Nor  yet  unblest,  if,  whilst  I  f:ui  to  move. 
The  fond  attempt  my  kind  intention  prove. 

RoscoE. 

;i  Pliny,  one  of  the  most  celebrrted  naturalists  of  an- 
il tiquity,  pathetically  laments,  "  that  whilst  jXature  has 
i  given  various  clothing  to  the  brute  creation,  and  even 
\    fenced  plants  and  trees  with  bark  against  the  injuries 


4 


240  071  Hygmne^  or  the  art 

of  the  cold  and  heat,  she  should  have  cast  man  into  this 
world  naked,  unprovided  against  the  inclemency  of  dif- 
ferent climates  and  seasons."  But,  instead  of  agreeing 
with  that  philosopher,  that  Nature  has,  in  this  particu- 
lar, acted  more  like  a  cruel  step-mother,  than  a  kind  and 
indulgent  parent  to  man,  we  cannot  sufficiently  extol 
her  providence  and  wisdom.  It  was  no  more  than  con- 
sistent with  equity  to  provide  the  irrational  part  of  her 
works  with  clothing  suitable  to  their  circumstances;  but 
man,  whom  she  endued  with  the  transcendant  faculty 
of  REASON,  she  hath  very  wisely  left  to  accommodate 
himself  to  the  difference  of  season  and  climate,  and  to 
clothe  himself,  accordingly,  with  the  fleeces,  the  skins 
of  animals,  and  the  products  of  various  plants  and  trees. 

Mkhvifery  was  first  practised  by  women.  Hence  the 
dressing  of  children  became  an  art  which  few  could  at- 
tain. Each  midwife  strove  to  outdo  all  others  in  this  pre- 
tended knowledge.  These  attempts  were  seconded  by 
the  vanity  of  parents,  who,  too  often  desirous  of  making 
a  show  of  the  infant  as  soon  as  it  w^as  born,  were  am- 
bitious to  have  as  much  y^/zm/ heaped  upon  it  as  possi- 
ble. Thus  it  came  to  be  thought  as  necessary  for  a  mid* 
wife  to  excel  in  bracing  and  dressing  an  infant,  as  for  a 
surgeon  to  be  expert  in  applying  bandages  to  a  broken 
\\xv\h\  and  the  poor  child,  as  soon  as  it  came  into  the 
world,  had  as  many  rollers  and  wrappers  applied  to  the 
throat  and  body,  as  if  every  bone  had  been  fractured  in 
the  birth;  and  these  often  so  tight,  as  not  only  to  gall 
and  wound  its  tender  frame,  but  even  to  obstruct  the 
motion  of  the  organs  necessary  for  life. 

Nature  knows  no  other  use  of  clothes  but  to  keep 
the  body  xvarm.  And  the  pressure  of  the  abdomen  by 
rollers  or  laced  jackets,  impedes  the  action  of  the  stomach 
and  bowels,  and  the  motion  necessary  for  respiration; 
and  consequently  the  just  circulation  of  the  blood. 
Hence  a  train  of  dreadful  disorders  ensues. 

The  shape  God  has  given,  is  too  often  attempted  to 
be  mended  by  dress,  and  those  who  know  no  better,  be- 
lieve that  mankind  would  be  frights  without  its  as- 
sistance. The  bones  of  growing  persons  are  so  cartila- 


of  Preserving  Health. 


241 


glnous,  that  they  readily  yield  to  the  slightest  pressure, 
and  easily  assume  the  mould  in  which  they  are  con- 
fined.  Hence  it  is  that  so  many  girls,  in  proportion  to 
boys,  are  misshapen. 

A  lady  who  had  no  girls  but  were  misshapen,  though 
her  family  was  numerous,  consulted  the  celebrated  ana- 
tomist, Mr.  Cline,  on  the  prevention.  '  To  have  no  stays ^ 
— and  to  let  the  next  girl  run  about  like  the  boys^'*^  was 
the  excellent  advice  of  this  gentleman;  which  being 
complied  with,  none  of  the  future  children  were  after* 
wards  marred  by  the  illplaced  attention  of  the  ignorant 
mother. 

It  has  been  said,  observes  a  celebrated  female  author, 
that  the  love  of  dress  is  natural  to  the  sex;  and  we  see 
no  reason  why  any  female  should  be  offended  with  the 
assertion.  Dress  however  must  be  subject  to  certain 
rules;  be  consistent  with  the  graces,  and  with  nature. 
By  attending  to  these  particulars  is  produced  that  agree- 
able exterior  which  pleases,  w^e  know  not  why;  v^hich 
charms,  even  without  that  first  and  powerful  attraction, 
beauty. 

Fashion,  in  her  various  flights,  frequently  soars  be- 
yond the  reach  of  propriety,  Good  sense,  taste,  and 
delicacy,  then  make  their  appeal  in  vain.  Her  despotic 
\    and  arbitrary  sway  levels  and  confounds.  Where  is 
I    delicacy?  where  is  policy?  we  mentally  exclaim,  when 
:    we  see  the  fair  inconsiderate  votary  of  fashion  exposino- 
unseemly,  that  bosom  which  good  men  delight  to  ima- 
gine the  abode  of  innocence  and  truth.  Can  the  gaze  of 
the  voluptuous,  the  unlicensed  admiration  of  the  profli- 
gate, compensate  the  woman  of  sentiment  and  purity, 
for  what  she  loses  in  the  estimation  of  the  moral  and 
just?  But,  delicacy  apart,  what  shall  we  say  to  the  blind 
conceit  of  the  robust,  the  coarse,  the  wanton  fair  one, 
who  thus  obtrudes  the  ravages  of  time  upon  the  pub- 
lic eye? 

Nature  having  maintained  a  harmony  between  the 
figure  of  a  woman,  and  her  years,  it  is  decorous  that  the 

2  H 


242 


On  Hygielney  or  the  art 


consistency  should  extend  to  the  materials  and  fashion 
of  her  apparel.  For  youth  to  dress  like  age,  is  an  in- 
stance of  bad  taste  seldom  seen.  But  age  affecting  the 
airy  garment  of  youth,  the  transparent  drapery  of  Cos^ 
and  the  sportiveness  of  a  girl,  is  an  anachronism,  as 
frequent  as  it  is  ridiculous. 

Virgin,  bridal  Beauty,  when  she  arrays  herself  with 
taste,  obeys  an  end  of  her  creation;  that  of  increasing 
her  charms  in  the  eyes  of  some  virtuous  lover,  or  the 
husband  of  her  bosom.  She  is  approved.  But  when  the 
wrinkled  Jair,  the  hoary-headed  matron,  attempts  to 
equip  herself  for  conquest,  to  awaken  sentiments  which, 
the  bloom  of  her  cheek  gone,  her  rouge  can  never 
arouse;  then  we  cannot  but  deride  her  folly.  There  is 
a  mediocrity  which  bounds  all  things,  and  even  fixes 
the  standard  which  divides  virtue  from  bombast.  Let  us, 
therefore,  in  every  concern,  endeavour  to  observe  this 
happy  temperature.  Let  the  youthful  female  exhibit, 
without  shade,  as  much  of  her  bust  as  shall  come  with- 
in the  limits  of  fashion,  without  entering  the  borders  of 
immodesty.  Let  the  fair  of  riper  years  appear  less  ex- 
posed. To  sensible  and  tasteful  women,  a  hint  is  suffi- 
cient. Such  can  never  lose  sight  of  that  fine  sentiment 
which  is  so  happily  expressed  by  the  inimitable 
Thomson: 

 Loveliness 

Needs  not  the  foreign  aid  of  ornament; 
But  is,  when  unadorn'd,  adorn'd  the  most. 

There  are  persons  who  neglect  their  dress  from  pride, 
and  a  desire  to  attract  by  a  careless  singularity;  but^^^ 
wherever  this  is  the  case,  depend  on  it,  something  is 
wrong  in  the  mind.  Lavater  has  observed,  that  persons 
habitually  attentive  to  their  attire,  display  the  same  re- 
gularity in  their  domestic  affairs.  Young  women,  he  con- 
tinues, who  neglect  their  toilet  and  manifest  little  con- 
cern  about  dress,  indicate  a  general  disregard  of  order; 
a  mind  but  ill  adapted  to  the  details  of  house- keeping;  a 


of  Preserving  Health. 


243 


deficiency  of  taste,  and  of  the  qualities  that  inspire  love:  : 

they  will  be  careless  in  every  thing.  The  girl  of  eighteen,  ; 

•who  'desires  not  to  please^  ivdl  become  a  slut  or  shrew  ^ 
at  twenty-five. 

"  Taste,"  says,  Dr.  Knox,  requires  a  congruity  be- 
tween the  internal  character,  and  the  external  appear- 
ance." Another  author,  the  discriminating  Chesterfield, 
observed,  that  a  prepossessing  exterior  is  a  perpetual 
letter  of  recommendation." 

Hence  we  see  that  the  desire  of  exhibiting  an  amiable 
exterior  is  essentially  requisite  in  women.  It  is  to  be  re- 
ceived as  an  unequivocal  symbol  of  those  qualities, 
which  we  seek  in  a  wife;  it  indicates  cleanliness,  sweet- 
ness, a  love  of  order,  and  universal  propriety.  What, 
then,  is  there  to  censure  in  a  moderate  consideration  of 
dress?  Nothing.  We  may  blame,  when  we  find  extrava- 
gance, profusion,  misappropriation;  the  tyranny  of  fash- 
ion; slavery  to  vanity;  in  short,  bad  taste! 

Though  we  cannot  hope  entirely  to  escape  the  un- 
pleasant sensations,  or  altogether  to  ward  off  the  fatal 
effects  occasioned  by  the  sudden  changes  of  our  cli- 
mate; yet,  considering  properly  the  nature  of  clothing, 
\ve  may  avoid  much  of  the  danger.  If  ladies  are  subject 
to  catch  cold  more  frequently  than  men,  it  is  not  alone 
their  delicacy  of  constitution,  or  their  being  more  con- 
fined within  doors;  but  the  frequent  changes  they  make 
in  the  quality  and  quantity  of  their  garments,  and  some- 
times, however  fearful  of  a  partial  current  of  air,  be- 
cause they  expose  those  parts  of  the  body  that  a  little 
before  had  been  warmly  clad.  If  a  greater  proportion  of 
females  fall  victims  to  consumption,  is  it  not  because, 
losing  sight  more  than  men  of  its  primary  purpose,  says 
Dr.  Beddoes,  they  regulate  their  dress  solely  by  fantas- 
tic ideas  of  elegance? 

After  the  high  encomiums  bestowed  upon  flannel  by 
so  many  respectable  authors,  both  ancient  and  modern, 
and  by  persons  who,  from  long  experience,  have  ascer- 
tained its  beneficial  effects,  it  is  surprising  that  any  indi- 
vidual should  be  whimsical  or  hardy  enough  to  dispute 


On  Hygieine^  or  the  art 


its  gefieral  salubrity,  merely  with  a  view  to  establish  a 
favourite  hypothesis. 

It  has  been  objected,  that  flannel  worn  next  the  skin 
is  debilitating,  because  it  too  much  increases  perspira- 
tion; but  this  is  not  founded  on  truth,  since  perspiration, 
as  long  as  the  skin  remains  dry^  never  can  be  hurtful. 
In  answer  to  another  objection  against  the  wearing  of 
jBannel,  it  is  certain  that  a  flannel  shirt  may  preserve  the 
body  as  clean,  and  much  cleaner,  than  linen,  if  as  fre- 
quently change^!. 

To  cold  or  phlegmatic  temperaments;  to  all  who  lead 
a  sedentary  life;  to  individuals  subject  to  catarrhs,  or 
frequent  colds,  gout,  diarrhosa,  and  partial  congestions 
of  the  blood;  to  all  nervous  patients  and  convalescents 
from  severe  chronic  disorders;  to  persons  who  are  too 
susceptible  of  the  impressions  of  the  atmosphere;  and, 
lastly,  in  such  climates  and  pursuits  of  life,  as  are  expo- 
sed to  frequent  and  sudden  changes  of  air,  the  wearing 
of  flannel  next  to  the  skin  is  certainly  a  salutary  dress. 
It  will  also  be  found  a  better  preventive  of  contagion 
than  any  other;  because,  while  it  encourages  perspira- 
tion, it  at  the  same  time  removes  the  inhaled  poisonous 
particles.  It  is  a  mistaken  notion  that  flannel  is  too  warm 
a  clothing  for  summer.  I  have  never  found  the  least  in- 
convenience from  wearing  it  during  the  hottest  weather; 
but,  on  the  contrary,  have  experienced  the  greatest  ad- 
Vantage.  A  celebrated  author's  favourite  receipt  for 
health  was,  "  to  leave  off"  flannel  on  mid-summer  day, 
to  resume  it  the  day  following." 

To  keep  an  animal  in  health,  beside  the  retaining  of 
a  due  degree  of  animal  heat,  there  must  be  a  continual 
generation  of  new  juices,  and  a  perpetual  discharge  of 
the  old.  Without  the  due  quantity  of  perspiration^  which 
with  us  depends  very  much  on  our  clothing,  neither  the 
Vegetable  nor  animal  can  continue  in  health:  a  plant, 
whose  perspiration  is  stopt,  becomes  sickly  and  dies;  jjl 
even  an  egg,  who^e  shell  has  been  covered  with  a  var*  "I 
nish,  and  the  perspiration  stopt,  will  produce  no  animaL 


of  Preserving  Health. 


OF  CLEANLINESS. 

The  grand  discharge,  the  effusion  of  the  skin, 
Slowly  impaired,  the  languid  maladies 
Creep  on,  and  through  the  sick'ning  functions  steal; 
As,  when  the  chilling  east  invades  the  spring. 
The  delicate  narcissus  pines  away 
In  hectic  languor;  and  a  slow  disease 
Taints  all  the  family  of  flowers,  condemned 
To  cruel  heav'ns.  But  why,  already  prone 
To  fade,  should  beauty  cherish  its  own  bane] 
O  shame!  O  pity!  nipt  with  pale  quadrille. 
And  midnight  cares,  the  bloom  of  Albion  dies. 

Armstrong, 

Cleanliness  may  be  considered  the  grand  secret 
of  preserving  beauty,  as  well  as  promoting  health;  and, 
therefore,  is  applicable  to  all  ages  and  sexes.  It  main- 
tains the  limbs  in  their  pliancy;  the  skin  in  its  softness; 
the  complexion  in  its  lustre;  the  eyes  in  their  brightness; 
the  teeth  in  their  purity;  and  the  constitution  in  its  fair- 
est vigour. 

The  frequent  use  of  tepid  baths  is  not  more  grateful 
to  the  sense,  than  it  is  salutary  to  health,  and  to  beauty. 
By  such  ablution,  all  impurities  are  thrown  off;  cutane- 
ous obstructions  removed;  and,  while  the  surface  of  the 
body  is  preserved  in  its  original  brightness,  many 
threatening  disorders  are  put  to  the  rout.  Indeed,  so  im- 
portant is  this  regimen,  that  every  family  should  make 
a  bathing  vessel  as  indispensable  an  article  in  the  house 
as  a  table. 

Against  the  rigours  of  a  damp,  cold  Heaven, 

To  fortify  their  bodies,  some  frequent 

The  gelid  cistern;  and,  where  nought  forbids, 

I  praise  their  dauntless  heart.  

With  us,  the  man  of  no  complaint  demands 


246  On  Hygieiney  or  the  art 

The  warm  ablution,  just  enough  to  clear 
The  sluices  of  the  skin;  enough  to  keep 
The  body  sacred  from  indecent  soil. 
Still  to  be  pure,  ev'n  did  it  not  conduce, 
As  much  it  does,  to  health,  were  greatly  worth 
Your  daily  pains.  'Tis  this  adorns  the  rich; 
The  want  of  this  is  poverty's  worst  woe; 
With  this  external  virtue,  age  maintains 
A  decent  grace;  without  it,  youth  and  charms 
Are  loathsome.  This  the  venal  graces  know; 
So,  doubtless,  do  your  wives;  for  married  sires, 
As  well  as  lovers,  still  pretend  to  taste; 
Nor  is  it  less,  all  prudent  wives  can  tell, 
To  lose  a  husband's  than  a  lover's  heart. 

Armstrong. 

Cleanliness  is  certainly  agreeable  to  our  nature.  It 
sooner  attracts  our  regard  than  even  finery  itself,  and 
often  gains  esteem  where  that  fails.  It  is  an  ornament  to 
the  highest,  as  well  as  the  lovvxst  situation,  and  can  not 
be  dispensed  with  in  either. 

I  had  occasion,  says  the  author  of  the  Spectator,  to 
go  a  few  miles  out  of  town,  some  days  since,  in  a  stage- 
coach, where  I  had  for  my  fellow-travellers,  a  dirty  beau, 
and  a  pretty  young  quaker  woman.  Having  no  inclina- 
tion to  talk  much,  I  placed  myself  backward,  with  a 
design  to  survey  them,  and  to  pick  a  speculation  out  of 
my  two  companions.  Their  different  figures  were  suffi- 
cient to  draw  my  attention.  The  gentleman  was  dressed 
in  a  suit,  the  ground  whereof  had  been  black,  as  I  per- 
ceived from  some  few  spaces  that  had  escaped  the  pow- 
der which  was  incorporated  with  the  greatest  part  of  his 
coat;  his  periwig,  which  cost  no  small  sum,  was  after  so 
slovenly  a  manner  cast  over  his  shoulders,  that  it  seemed 


of  Preserving  Health* 


247 


not  to  have  been  combed  since  the  year  1682;  his  linen, 
which  was  not  much  concealed,  was  daubed  with  plain 
Spanish,  from  the  chin  to  the  lowest  button;  and  the  dia- 
mond upon  his  finger,  which  naturally  dreaded  the  water, 
put  me  in  mind  how  it  sparkled  amidst  the  rubbish  of 
the  mine  where  it  was  first  discovered. 

On  the  other  hand,  the  pretty  Quaker  appeared  in  all 
the  elegance  of  cleanliness.  Not  a  speck  was  to  be  found 
upon  her.  A  clean,  oval  face,  just  edged  about  with  little 
thin  plaits  of  the  purest  cambric,  received  great  advan- 
tage from  the  shade  of  her  black  hood;  as  did  the  white- 
ness of  her  arms  from  that  sober- coloured  stuff  in  which 
she  had  clothed  herself.  The  plainness  of  her  dress  was 
very  well  suited  to  the  simplicity  of  her  phrases;  all 
which,  put  together,  gave  me  an  exalted  sense  both  of 
her  good  taste  and  her  pure  innocence. 

This  adventure  occasioned  my  throwing  together  a 
few'hints  upon  cleanliness,  which  I  shall  consider  as  one 
of  half -virtues,  as  Aristotle  C2i\\s  them,  and  shall  re- 
commend it  under  the  three  following  heads:  As  it  is 
a  mark  of  politeness;  as  it  produces  regard;  and  as  it 
bears  analogy  to  purity  of  mind. 

First,  it  is  a  mark  of  politeness.  It  is  universally- 
agreed  upon,  that  no  one  unadorned  with  this  virtue  can 
go  into  company  without  giving  a  manifest  offence.  The 
easier  or  higher  any  one's  fortune  is,  this  duty  arises  pro- 
portionally. The  different  nations  of  the  world  are  as 
much  distinguished  by  their  cleanliness,  as  by  their  arts 
and  sciences.  The  more  any  country  is  civilized,  the 
more  they  consult  this  part  of  politeness.  We  need  but 
compare  our  ideas  of  a  female  Hottentot  and  an  English 
beauty,  to  be  satisfied  of  what  has  been  advanced. 

In  the  next  place^  cleanliness  may  be  said  to  be  the 
foster-mother  of  love.  Beauty,  indeed,  most  commonly 
produces  that  passion  in  the  mind,  but  cleanliness  pre- 
serves it.  An  indifferent  face  and  person,  kept  in  perpe- 
tual neatness,  has  won  many  a  heart  from  a  pretty  slat- 
tern. Age  itself  is  not  unamiable,  while  it  is  preserved 
clean  and  unsullied;  like  a  piece  of  marble  constantly 


0 

24S  On  Hygieine^  or  the  art 


kept  clean  and  bright,  we  look  on  it  with  more  plea- 
sure than  a  new  vessel  that  is  cankered  with  rust. 

We  might  observe  farther,  that  as  cleanliness  renders 
us  agreeable  to  others,  so  it  makes  us  easy  to  ourselves; 
that  it  is  an  excellent  preservative  of  health,  and  that 
several  vices,  destructive  both  to  mind  and  bedy,  are 
inconsistent  with  the  habit  of  it.  We  find,  from  experi- 
ence, that  through  the  prevalence  of  custom,  the  most 
vicious  actions  lose  their  horror,  by  being  made  fami- 
liar to  us.  On  the  contrary,  those  who  live  in  the  neigh- 
bourhood of  good  example,  fly  from  the  first  appearance 
of  what  is  shocking.  It  fares  with  us  much  after  the  same 
manner  as  to  our  ideas.  Our  senses,  which  are  the  inlets 
of  all  the  images  conveyed  to  the  mind,  can  only  trans- 
mit the  impressions  of  such  things  as  usually  surround 
them.  So  that  pure  and  unsullied  thoughts  are  naturally 
suggested  to  the  mind  by  those  objects  that  perpetually 
encompass  us,  when  they  are  beautiful  and  elegant  in 
their  kind. 


OF  PATRIOTISM- 

Man,  through  all  ages  of  revolving  time. 
Unchanging  man  in  every  varying  clirae, 
Deems  his  own  land,  of  every  land  the  pride, 
Belov'd  by  Heaven  o*er  all  the  world  beside; 
His  home  a  spot  of  earth  supremely  blest, 
A  dearer,  sweeter  spot  than  all  the  rest. 

MOITTGOMERY. 

Patriotism,  properly  defined,  is  the  love  of  the 
laws  and  of  the  commonwealth.  It  is  a  sentiment  which 
makes  us  prefer  the  interest  of  the  public  to  our  own.  At 
the  very  name  of  country,  the  wise  and  brave  feel  an  en- 
thusiasm which  renders  them  invincible. 

Patriotism  also  contributes  greatly  to  the  promotion 
of  good  morals;  and  hence  to  health,  and  every  other 


of  Preserving  Health, 


249 


blessing,  both  private  and  public.  Rome,  Athens,  and 
Lacedemon,  owed  all  their  glory  to  patriotism;  and  their 
nothingness  to  their  Ibrgetfuiness  of  their  country,  their 
laws,  and  morals. 

Happy  if  these  awful  lessons,  read  to  us  in  the  ex- 
amples of  the  great  republics  of  antiquity,  could  but 
avail  to  kindle  among  ourselves  that  divine  patriotism 
which  once  exalted  them  to  such  glory  among  the  na- 
tions. Among  innumerable  other  blessings,  health  would 
then  be  promoted.  For  the  noble  virtues  of  the  soul  con- 
stituting patriotism^  as  magnanimity,  disinterestedness, 
valour,  and  consciousness  of  doing  our  duty,  Avould 
diffuse  through  the  heart  that  habitual  complacency  and 
joy  most  friendly  to  health;  w^hich  would  be  still  further 
promoted  by  that  simplicity  of  manners,  and  activity  of 
life,  which  belongs  to  Republicans.  Whereas,  on  the 
contrary,  in  proportion  as  national  patriotism  decays, 
health  becomes  enervated  by  luxuries  and  other  vices, 
which  are  sure  to  overspread  a  nation  that  has  lost  the 
animating  fire  of  patriotism. 

John  II.  king  of  Portugal,  who,  for  the  nobleness  of 
his  mind  was  worthy  of  a  greater  kingdom,  when  he 
heard  there  was  a  bird  called  a  pelican,  that  tears  and 
wounds  her  breast  with  her  bill,  that  with  her  own  blood 
j  she  may  restore  her  young  ones  to  life,  when  left  as  dead 
by  the  bitings  of  serpents,  this  excellent  prince  took 
care  that  the  figure  of  this  bird,  engaged  in  this  action, 
should  be  added  to  his  other  royal  devices;  that  he 
might  hereby  show,  that  he  was  ready  upon  occasion,  to 
part  with  his  own  blood  for  the  welfare  and  preservation 
of  his  people  and  country.  Pity  it  is  to  conceal  their 
names  whose  minds  have  been,  in  this  respect,  as  pious 
and  princely  as  his,  not  fearing  to  redeem  the  lives  of 
their  fellow- citizens  at  the  price  of  their  own. 

'       Themistocles,  the  Athenian  general,  after  his  many 
I   famous  exploits,  was  banished  the  country,  and  sought 
after  to  be  slain;  he  chose,  therefore,  to  put  himself  ra- 
ther into  the  power  of  the  Persian  king,  his  encmv,  than 

2  I 


250 


On  Hygie'ine^  or  the  art 


to  expose  himself  to  the  malice  of  his  fellow-citizens. 
He  was  by  him  received  with  great  joy;  insomuch,  that 
the  king,  in  the  midst  of  his  sleep,  was  heard  to  cry  out 
thrice  aloud,  I  have  with  me  Themistocles,  the  Athe- 
nian." He  also  did  him  great  honour,  for  he  allotted  him 
three  cities  for  his  table- provisions,  and  two  others  for 
the  furniture  of  his  wardrobe  and  bed.  While  he  re- 
mained in  that  court  with  such  splendour  and  dignity, 
the  Egyptians  rebelled,  encouraged,  and  also  assisted  by 
the  Athenians.  The  Grecian  navy  was  come  as  far  as 
Cyprus  and  Cilicia;  and  Cimon,  the  Athenian  admiral, 
rode  master  at  sea.  This  caused  the  Persian  king  to  levy 
soldiers,  and  appoint  commanders,  to  repress  them.  He 
also  sent  letters  to  Themistocles,  then  at  Magnesia,  im- 
porting that  he  had  given  him  the  supreme  command  in 
that  affair,  and  that  he  should  now  be  mindful  of  his 
promise  to  him,  and  undertake  this  war  against  Greece. 
But  Themistocles  was  no  way  moved  with  anger 
against  his  ungrateful  countrymen,  nor  incited  to  wage 
war  with  them  by  the  gift  of  all  his  honour  and  power; 
for,  after  having  sacrificed,  he  called  about  him  his 
friends,  and  having  embraced  them,  he  drank  a  strong 
poison,  and  chose  rather  to  close  his  own  life,  than  to  be 
an  instrument  of  evil  to  his  native  country,  which  yet 
had  deserved  so  ill  at  his  hands.  Thus  died  Themistocles 
in  the  sixty-fifth  year  of  his  age,  most  of  which  time  he 
had  spent  in  the  management  of  the  republic  at  home, 
or  as  the  chief  commander  abroad. 

At  the  siege  of  Turin  by  the  French  army  in  1640,  a 
sergeant  of  the  Piedmontese  guards  signalized  himself 
by  a  singular  example  of  patriotism;  this  sergeant 
guarded  with  some  soldiers,  the  subterraneous  parts  of 
a  work  of  the  citadel;  the  mine  was  charged,  and  nothing 
was  wanting  but  what  is  called  a  sausage  or  pudding,  to 
blow  up  several  companies  of  grenadiers  who  served  in 
the  work,  and  posted  themselves  in  it.  The  loss  of  the 
work  would  have  accelerated  the  surrender  of  the  place. 
The  sergeant,  with  great  resolution,  ordered  the  sol- 
diers he  commanded  to  retire,  begging  them  to  desire 


of  Preserving  Health, 


251 


the  king  his  master  to  protect  his  wife  and  children. 
He  then  set  fire  to  the  powder,  and  perished  for  his 
country. 

On  the  surrender  of  Lord  Cornwallis,  in  the  Ameri- 
can war,  the  Loyalist  of  22  guns,  then  in  the  Chesapeake, 
became  a  party  in  that  disastrous  event;  her  crew  were 
conveyed  to  the  Count  de  Grasse's  fleet — of  that  fleet 
the  Ardent  captured  off  Plymouth,  made  one,  but  was 
then  in  a  very  leaky  condition.  The  Count  being  in- 
formed that  the  carpenter  of  the  Loyalist  was  a  man  of 
talents,  and  perfectly  acquainted  with  the  nature  of  the 
chain  pump,  of  which  the  French  were  ignorant,  order- 
ed him  on  board  the  Viile  de  Paris,  and  addressed  him 
thus:  Sir,  you  are  to  go  on  board  the  Ardent  directly; 
use  your  utmost  skill,  and  save  her  from  sinking,  for 
which  service  you  shall  have  a  premium,  and  the  en- 
couragement due  to  the  carpenter  of  an  equal  rate  in  the 
British  navy;  to  this  I  pledge  my  honour;  on  refusal, 
you  will,  during  your  captivity,  be  fed  on  bread  and  wa- 
ter only."  The  tar,  surprised  at  being  thus  addressed 
in  his  own  language,  boldly  answered;  Noble  Count, 
I  am  your  prisoner — it  is  in  your  power  to  confine  me; 
but  never  let  it  be  said  that  a  British  sailor  forgot  his 
duty  to  his  king  and  his  country,  and  entered  volunta- 
rily into  the  service  of  the  enemy;  your  promises  are 
no  inducement  for  me,  and  your  threats  shall  not  force 
me  to  injure  my  country." 

There  is  a  land,  of  ev'ry  land  the  pride,  * 
Belov'd  by  heaven  o'er  all  the  w^orld  beside; 
Where  brighter  suns  dispense  serener  light, 
And  milder  moons  em  paradise  the  night; 
A  land  of  beauty,  virtue,  valour,  truth, 
Time-tutor'd  age,  and  love-exalted  youth. 
'  Where  shall  that  land,  that  spot  of  earth  be  found'?' 
Art  thou  a  man?—^  patriot? — look  around; 


252  On  Ht/gieine,  or  the  art 

O  thou  shalt  find,  howe'er  thy  footsteps  roam, 

That  land  thy  country,  and  that  spot  thy  home! 

Montgomery. 

As  Americans,  we  feel  the  love  of  country,  not  merely 
because  of  the  idea  that  it  is  the  land  where  we  were 
born,  but  because  it  is  the  land  where  we  enjoy  Jree- 
dom^  and  equal  rights^  and  every  blessing  that  can 
sweeten  lite,  and  gild  it  over  with  glory.  Hence  we 
need  not  have  gone  back  to  ancient  times  to  show  what 
men  have  dared  from  patriotism.  No,  thank  God!  we 
have  in  our  own  country,  and  in  our  own  days,  names 
as  bright  as  ever  adorned  the  annals  of  time.  The  memo- 
ry of  my  exulting  reader  is  already  flying  before  me 
to  a  host  of  heroes,  who  even  courted  wounds  and  death 
for  their  country.  To  Lawrence,  whose  last  words  were, 
*'Z)owV  give  up  the  shipP^ — to  Burrowes,  who,  when 
desperately  wounded  on  the  deck,  said,     Iwon^t  be 
carried  below;  prop  me  up  that  I  may  see  my  brave  men 
at  their  gunsP'' — to  Lowry  Donaldson,  who  cried, 
gallant  countrymen^  I  die^  but  don't  let  the  cause  of  free- 
dom die  with  me!'''' — to  Daviess,  who,  on  the  field  of 
Tippecanoe,  smiling  in  the  arms  of  fate,  exclaimed, 
Thank  God,  I  die  in  the  best  of  causesP'' — to  a  common 
sailor,  who,  while  below,  dressing  for  a  mortal  wound, 
and  hearing  his  companions  on  deck  shouting  for  victo- 
ry, snatched  away  the  shattered  stump  of  his  arm,  say- 
ing, '*  Let  me  go,  doctor;  I  know  I  am  dying;  but  I 
must  give  one  huzza  more  for  my  country P"* — to  Pike, 
Covington,  Gibson,  Wood,  Holmes,  Stoddard,  Bea^ey, 
Mead,  Spencer,  Wattles,  Hoppuck,  Bradford,  Armi- 
stead,  Vanhorn,  Jack,  Middleton,  Woolfolk,  Smith, 
M'Donough,  Blaney,  Legate,  Yates,  Jackson,  O'Fling, 
of  the  army — to  Allen,  Ludlow,  Wilmer,  Funk,  Babbit, 
Hamilton,  Howell,  Stansbury,  Gamble,  Cowell,  Wil- 
liams, Brookes,  Bush,  Broome,  of  the  navy — to  Davis, 
Allen,  Lauderdale,  Henderson,  Graves,  Hickman,  Hart, 
M'Cracken,  Hooper,  Pace,  Buel,  Hamilton,  Evans, 
Quarles,  Brown,  Belknap,  Blakesley,  Clagget,  Clemm, 


of  Preserving  Health. 


253 


Rosevelt,  Poe,  of  the  militia — and  a  thousand  other 
Martyrs  of  Liberty,  who  all  rushed  into  the  battle 
as  if  animated  by  the  immortal  Washington's  in- 
junction,— "  Remember,  that  you  are  going  to  fight  for 
LibertyP^  and  who  all  died  rejoicing  that  they  had  shed 
their  blood  to  cement  her  holy  Fabric. 

"  To  live  with  fame  the  gods  allow  to  many;  but  to 
die  with  equal  lustre,  is  a  gift  which  Heavtn  selects 
from  all  the  choicest  boons  of  fate^  and  with  a  sparing 
hand  on  few  bestows.^^ 


OF  RELIGION. 

Yet,  though  kind  Heav*n  points  out  th'  unerring  road. 
That  leads  through  nature  up  to  bliss  and  God; 
Spiteof  that  God,  and  all  his  voice  divine. 
Speaks  to  the  heai't,  or  teaches  from  the  shrine, 
Man,  feebly  vain,  and  impotently  wise. 
Disdains  the  manna  sent  him  from  the  skies; 
Tasteless  of  all  that  virtue  gives  to  please. 
For  tliought  too  active,  and  too  mad  for  ease. 
From  wish  to  wish  in  Ufe's  mad  vortex  tost. 
For  ever  struggling,  and  for  ever  lost; 
He  scorns  Religion,  though  her  seraphs  call, 
And  lives  in  rapture,  or  not  lives  at  all. 

Cawthorn. 

Some  of  my  readers  may  perhaps  be  surprised,  that 
in  a  book  which  professes  to  treat  of  Health,  I  should  so 
far  forget  the  text  as  to  introduce  the  subject  of  JReli- 
gion.  But  I  trust  they  will  cease  to  wonder  when  they 
consider  that  health  is  the  physical  result  of  nicely  ba- 
lanced appetites  and  passions,  and  that  there  exists  no 
power  on  earth,  that  can  so  attune  these  into  harmony, 
as  Religion,  Cast  your  eye  around  you,  and  say  whence 
have  sprung  most  of  the  diseases,  both  mental  and  cor- 
poreal, but  from  lack  of  this  divine  guardian  of  man, 
Religion,  By  this  great  name,  I  do  not  mean  that  hy- 
pocrisy which  consist!^  in  gloomy  faces,  nor  that  narrow 


254 


On  Hygieine,  or  the  art 


bigotry  which  rests  on  particular  forms;  the  one  only- 
shows  that  religion  is  very  galling  to  their  feelings;  the 
other  is  but  too  often  false  and  treacherous,  deluding 
those  who  behold  them,  into  the  opinion  of  their  supe- 
rior sanctity  and  virtue.  Nor  can  I  entertain  a  more  fa- 
vourable opinion  of  those  who  make  a  profession  of  re- 
ligion and  exhibit  too  much  levity.  It  is  a  maxim  among 
politicians,  that  those  who  know  not  how  to  dissem- 
ble, know  not  how  to  rule."  But  this  will  not  hold  in 
religion,  where  virtue  is  at  all  times  to  be  the  guide  of 
our  actions.  And  the  wretch  who  would  dissemble  be- 
fore God,  is  an  abominable  hypocrite — worse  than  the 
Atheist — nay,  worse  than  the  beast  of  the  earth. 

Religion  has  too  often  been  the  mask  of  dissimulation 
and  hypocrisy,  by  which  many  innocent  persons  have 
been  deluded,  then  off  goes  the  disguise,  and  the  devil 
appears  in  his  own  likeness. 

Oliver  Cromwell  was  a  hypocrite  in  perfection;  for 
though  he  had  more  than  ordinary  sense  and  courage, 
yet  he  would  whine  and  cant  to  admiration,  when  he 
found  that  it  would  better  advance  his  designs  among 
the  fanatics.  He  was  of  no  one  faction  in  religion,  and 
yet  by  his  deep  dissimulation,  kept  himself  the  supreme 
head  of  them  all.  He  cajoled  the  Presbyterians,  flattered 
the  Independants,  caressed  the  Anabaptists,  and  kept 
them  in  continual  jar  with  one  another,  that  they  might 
have  no  leisure  to  unite  against'him;  and  thus  accom- 
plished his  diabolical  design,  of  placing  himself  at  the 
head  of  the  government. 

There  are  some  sectarians  who  are  so  illiberal  as  to 
express  a  belief,  that  those  only  of  their  persuasion  are 
in  the  right  road  to  heaven!  Strange  infatuation!  Can 
this  be  consistent  with  the  Scriptures  or  reason?  The 
pure  spirit  of  the  gospel  of  Christ  breathes  forth  a  holy 
religion,  founded  on  meekness,  charity,  kindness,  and 
brotheriy  love;  but  bigotry  or  any  thing  like  fanaticism 
has  quite  a  contrary  effect. 

In  mental  illusion,  imagination,  when  she  first  begins 
to  exercise  her  powers,  seizes  on  some  fact,  of  the  real 
nature  of  which  the  mind  has  but  an  obscure  idea,  and, 


of  Preserving  Health. 


255 


for  want  of  tracing  it  through  all  its  connexions  and  de- 
pendencies, misleads  reason  into  the  darkest  paths  of 
error.  The  wild  conjectures,  and  extravagant  opinions 
which  have  issued  from  this  source,  are  innumerable. 
The  voice  of  the  calm  inquirer,  Reason^  is  incapable  of 
being  heard  amidst  the  lumuh;  and  the  favourite  image 
is  animated  and  enlarged  by  the  glowing  fire  of  the  pas* 
sions.  No  power  remains  to  control  or  regulate,  much 
less  to  subdue,  this  mental  ray,  which  inflames  the 
whole  soul,  and  exalts  it  into  the  fervour  of  Enthusiasm , 
hurries  it  into  the  extravagance  of  Superstition,  or  pre- 
cipitates it  into  the  furious  frenzies  of  Fanaticism, 

The  growth  of  fanaticism,  whether  religious  or  po- 
litical, is  not  confined  exclusively  to  any  age  or  country; 
the  seeds  of  it  have  been  but  too  plentifully  sown  in 
all  the  regions  of  the  earth;  and  are  equally  baneful  and 
injurious  in  whatever  soil  they  spring.  Every  bold,  tur- 
bulent,  and  intriguing  spirit,  who  has  sufiicient  artifice 
to  inflame  the  passions  of  the  inconstant  multitude, 
the  moment  he  calls  the  demon  of  fanaticism  to  his  aid, 
becomes  troublesome,  by  producing  fermentations  high- 
ly detrimental  to  the  peace  of  society,  and  frequently 
dangerous  to  the  government  under  which  he  lives. 

The  fire  of  fanaticism  is,  indeed,  so  subtilely  power- 
ful, that  it  is  capable  of  inflaming  the  coldest  minds.  The 
rapidity  of  its  progress  certainly  depends,  in  a  great  de- 
gree, on  the  nature  of  the  materials  on  which  it  acts; 
but,  like  every  dangerous  conflagration,  its  first  appear- 
ances should  be  watched,  and  every  means  taken  to  ex- 
tinguish its  flames.  The  extinction  is  perhaps,  most 
happily  and  readily  effected  by  those  counteractions 
which  the  common  occupations,  and  daily  duties  of  life 
produce  on  the  mind,  when  judiciously  opposed  to  the 
flagrant  evil.  Of  the  advantages,  at  least,  of  this  re- 
source, a  circumstance  in  the  history  of  the  late  Dr. 
^    Fothergill,  aflfords  a  remarkable  example. 

This  celebrated  physician,  says  Dr.  Zimmerman, 
possessed  the  greatest  tranquillity  of  mind,  and  had  ob- 
tained so  complete  a  dominion  over  his  passions,  that  he 
declared  to  a  friend,  recently  before  his  death,  that  he 


256 


On  Hygieine^  or  the  art 


could  not  recollect  a  single  instance,  during  the  whole 
course  of  his  life,  in  which  they  had  been  improperly- 
disturbed.  This  temper,  which  was  perfectly  suited  to 
the  character  of  the  religion  he  professed,  the  tenets  of 
which  he  strictly  practised,  he  maintained  on  all  occa- 
sions; nor  was  there  any  thing  in  his  general  conduct  or 
manner  that  betrayed  to  his  most  familiar  friends  the 
least  propensity  towards  enthusiasm;  and  yet,  distant  as 
the  suspicion  must  be,  under  these  circumstances,  that 
he  should  ever  be  under  the  influence  of  superstition,  it 
is  well  known,  that  while  he  was  a  student  at  Edin- 
burgh, where  he  was  distinguished  for  the  mildness  of 
his  manners,  and  the  regularity  of  his  conduct,  he  one 
day  in  an  eccentric  sally  of  fanaticism,  ran  almost  en- 
tirely naked  through  the  streets  of  that  city,  warning  all 
its  inhabitants  of  the  impending  wrath  of  Heaven,  and 
exhorting  them  in  the  most  solemn  manner,  to  avert 
the  approaching  danger,  by  humbly  imploring  the  mer- 
cy of  an  offended  Deity.  But  this  religious  paroxysm 
was  of  short  duration.  He  was  at  this  time  in  habits  of 
intimacy  with  the  great  characters  who  then  filled  the 
professional  chairs  of  the  University,  and  ardently  en- 
gaged in  the  pursuits  of  study;  and  the  exercises  which 
his  daily  task  required,  together  with  the  company  and 
conversation  of  these  rational,  well-informed,  and  think- 
ing men,  preserved  his  reason,  and  soon  restored  him  to 
the  full  and  free  enjoyment  of  those  faculties,  from  which 
both  science  and  humanity  afterwards  derived  so  many 
benefits. 

"  Blest  is  the  man,  as  far  as  earth  can  bless, 
Whose  measur'd  Passions  reach  no  wild  excess; 
Who,  urged  by  Nature's  voice,  her  gifts  enjoys, 
Nor  other  means  than  Nature's  force  employs. 
While  warm  with  youth  the  sprightly  current  flows, 
Each  vivid  sense  with  vig'rous  rapture  glows; 
And  when  he  droops  beneath  the  hand  of  age, 
No  vicious  habit  stings  with  fruitless  rage; 


of  Preserving  Health.  257 

Gradual  his  strength  and  gay  sensation  cease, 
While  joy  s  tumultuous  sink  in  silent  peace." 

It  is  that  fervent  love  of  God  and  man,  constituting 
the  heart- gladdening  religion  of  Christ,  which  I  mean. 
This  not  only  gives  a  check  to  our  passions,  but  also 
ensures  a  happiness,  which  is  "  like  a  tree,  whose  leaf 
shall  not  fail." 

The  man  who  loves  God,  enjoys  that  first  of  felicities, 
the  cotisciousness  of  having  placed  his  affections  on  the 
only  object  that  truly  deserves  them.  O!  how  amiable  is 
gratitude;  especially  when  directed  to  the  Supreme 
Benefactor.  It  is  the  most  exalted  principle  that  can  ac- 
tuate the  heart  of  man. 

When  a  good  man  looks  around  him  on  this  vast 
world,  where  beauty  and  goodness  are  reflected  from 
every  object,  and  where  he  beholds  millions  of  crea- 
tures in  their  different  ranks,  enjoying  the  blessings  of 
existence,  he  looks  up  to  the  Universal  Father, 
and  his  heart  glows  within  him.  And  in  every  comfort 
which  sweetens  his  own  life,  he  discerns  the  same  in- 
dulgent  hand.  Thus  it  is  that  gratitude  prepares  a  good 
man  for  the  enjoyment  of  prosperity;  for  not  only  has  he 
as  full  a  relish  as  others  of  the  innocent  pleasures  of  life, 
but,  moreover,  in  these  he  holds  communion  with  God. 
In  all  that  is  good  or  fair  he  traces  his  hand.  From  the 
beauties  of  nature,  from  the  improvements  of  art,  from 
the  blessings  of  public  or  private  life,  he  raises  his  af- 
fections to  the  great  Fountain  of  all  the  happiness  which 
surrounds  him,  and  this  widens  the  sphere  of  his  enjoy- 
ments, by  adding  to  the  pleasures  of  sense,  the  far  more 
exquisite  joys  of  the  heart. 

Adversity  is  the  grand  test  of  what  is  true  and  what 
is  false  among  the  different  objects  of  our  choice;  and 
our  love  of  God,  tried  by  this,  will  soon  discover  its  in- 
finite value  and  excellence.  Persons  of  every  character 
are  liable  to  distress.  The  man  who  loveth  God,  and  he 
who  loveth  him  not,  are  alike  exposed  to  the  stroke  of 


258 


On  Hygieiney  or  the  art 


adversity.  But  on  the  bad  man  adversity  falls  with  dou- 
ble weight,  because  it  finds  him  without  defence  and 
without  resource.  But  to  the  man  whose  soul  rejoices 
in  his  God,  adversity  has  nothing  gloomy  and  terrible. 
Believing  every  thing  in  the  world  to  be  under  the  ad- 
ministration of  God,  and  looking  up  to  that  God  as  to 
an  all- wise  and  benevolent  Father  and  Friend,  he  wel- 
comes every  thing  that  comes  from  him.  If  this  good- 
ness of  God  is  so  admirably  seen  in  the  works  of  Na- 
ture, and  the  favours  of  Providence,  with  what  a  no- 
ble superiority  does  it  even  triumph  in  the  ministry  of 
redemption.  Redemption  is  the  brightest  mirror  in 
which  to  contemplate  the  most  lovely  attribute  of  the 
Deity. 

Herein  God  manifests  his  love  for  poor  sinful  mor- 
tals, in  so  exalted  a  manner,  that  it  is  beyond  parallel; 
beyond  thought;  above  all  blessing  and  praise. — In- 
comprehensible love!  May  it  henceforward  be  the  fa- 
vourite subject  of  my  meditation;  more  delightful  to 
my  musing  mind,  than  applause  to  the  ambitious  ear! 
May  it  be  the  darling  theme  of  my  discourse;  sweeter 
to  my  tongue  than  the  dropping  of  the  honey- comb  to 
my  taste!  May  it  be  my  choicest  comfort  through  all 
the  changes  of  life,  and  my  reviving  cordial  even  in 
the  last  extremities  of  dissolution  itself! 

Religion,  as  is  justly  observed  by  Dr.  Dodd,  is  such  a 
sense  of  God  on  the  soul,  and  our  obligation  to,  and  de- 
pendence upon  him,  as  to  make  it  our  principal  study  to 
do  that  which  we  think  will  be  pleasing  in  his  sight,  and 
to  avoid  every  thing  which  we  think  will  offend  him. 
As  he  is  the  fountain  of  goodness  and  justice,  of  course 
religion  must  be  the  foundation  of  every  Christian  and 
moral  virtue — to  do  good  to  all,  and  to  avoid  giving 
offence  to,  or  injuring  willingly,  even  those  who  arc 
enemies  and  persecutors. 

It  is  so  far  from  debarring  us  of  any  innocent  plea- 
sure or  comfort  of  human  life,  that  it  purifies  our  en- 
joyments, and  renders  them  more  grateful  and  generous; 
and  besides  this,  it  brings  mighty  pleasures  of  its  own. 


^  of  Preserving  Health.  259 

those  of  a  glorious  hope,  a  serene  mind,  a  calm  and 
undisturbed  conscience,  and  thus  makes  us  habitually 
dieerful. 

Thou,  Cheerfulness,  by  Heaven  design'd 
To  sway  the  movements  of  the  mind; 
Whatever  fretful  passion  springs, 
Whatever  wayward  fortune  brings 
To  disarrange  the  power  within. 
And  strain  the  musical  machine; 
Thou,  goddess,  thy  attempering  hand 
Doth  each  discordant  string  command, 
Refines  the  soft  and  swells  the  strong, 
And,  joining  Nature's  general  song, 
Through  many  a  varying  tone  unfolds 
The  harmony  of  human  souls. 

Akenside. 

Cheerfulness  is  consistent  with  every  species  of  vir- 
tue and  practice  of  religion.  It  is  an  implicit  praise  and 
thanksgiving  to  Providence^  under  all  its  dispensations. 
It  is  a  kind  of  acquiescence  in  the  state  wherehi  we  are 
placed,  and  a  secret  approbation  of  the  Divine  will  in  his 
conduct  towards  man. 

As  I  was  betwixt  sleeping  and  waking,  says  a  sub- 
lime author,  I  perceived  one  of  the  most  shocking 
figures  imagination  can  frame,  advancing  towards  me. 
She  was  dressed  in  black,  her  eyes  deep  sunk  in  her 
head,  and  her  complexion  pale  and  livid  as  the  counte- 
nance of  death.  Her  looks  were  filled  with  terror  and 
unrelenting  severity,  and  her  hands  armed  with  whips 
and  scorpions.  As  soon  as  she  came  near,  with  a  horrid 
frown,  and  a  voice  that  chilled  my  very  blood,  she  bade 
me  follow  her.  I  obeyed,  and  she  led  me  through  rugged 
paths,  beset  with  briers  and  thorns,  and  a  deep  solitary 
valley.  Wherever  she  passed,  the  fading  verdure  with. 


260  On  Hy^'ieine^  or  the  art 

ercd  beneath  her  steps;  her  pestilential  breath  infected 
the  air  with  malignant  vapours,  obscured  the  lustre  of 
the  sun,  and  involml  the  fair  face  of  Heaven  in  univer- 
sal gloom.  Dismal  bowlings  resounded  through  the  fo- 
rests; from  every  baleful  tree  the  night  raven  croaked  his 
dreadfiil  note;  and  the  prospect  was  filled  with  desolation 
and  horror.  In  the  midst  of  this  tremendous  scene,  she 
addressed  me  in  the  following  manner: 

"Retire  with  me,  O  rash,  unthinking  mortal,  from  the 
vain  allurements  of  a  deceitful  world,  and  learn  that 
pleasure  was  not  designed  the  portion  of  human  life. 
Man  was  born  to  mourriy  and  to  be  wretched;  this  is  the 
condition  of  all  below  the  stars,  and  whoever  endeavours 
to  oppose  it,  acts  in  contradiction  to  the  will  of  Heaven. 
Fly  then  from  the  fatal  enchantments  of  youth  and  so- 
cial delight,  and  here  consecrate  the  solitary  hours  to  la- 
nnentarion  and  woe.  Miseri/is  the  duty  of  all  sublunary- 
beings,  and  every  enjoyment  is  an  offence  to  the  Deity, 
who  is  to  be  worshipped  only  by  the  mortification  of 
every  sense  of  pleasure,  and  the  everlasting  exercise  of 
sighs  and  tears.'* 

This  melancholy  picture  of  life  quite  sunk  my  spirits, 
and  seemed  to  annihilate  every  principle  of  happiness 
within  me.  I  threw  myself  beneath  a  blasted  yew,  where 
the  winds  blew  cold  and  dismal  round  my  head,  and 
dreadful  apprehensions  chilled  my  heart.  Here  I  resolved 
to  lie  till  the  hand  of  death,  which  I  impatiently  invoked, 
should  put  an  end  to  the  miseries  of  a  life  so  deplorably 
\vrt'tched.  In  this  sad  situation,  I  espied  on  one  hand  of 
me  a  deep  muddy  river,  whose  heavy  waves  rolled  on  in 
slow  and  sullen  murmurs,  when  I  found  myself  suddenly 
surprised  by  the  sight  ofthe  loveliest  object  I  ever  beheld. 
The  most  engaging  charms  ofyouth  and  beauty  appeared 
in  all  her  form;  effulgent  glories  sparkled  in  her  eyes, 
and  their  awful  splendours  were  softened  by  the  gentlest 
looks  of  complacency  and  peace.  At  her  approach,  the 
frightful  spectre,  who  had  before  tormented  me,  vanished 
away,  and  with  her  all  the  horrors  she  had  caused.  The 
gloomy  clouds  brightened  in  cheerful  sun-shinej  the 
groves  recovered  their  verdure;  and  the  whole  regior* 


of  Preserving  Health. 


261 


looked  J^ay  and  blooming  as  the  garden  of  Eden.  I  was 
quite  transported  at  the  unexpected  change,  and  reviving 
hope  began  to  glad  my  thoughts,  when,  with  a  look 
of  inexpressible  sweetness,  my  beauteous  deliverer  thus 
uttered  her  divine  instructions: 

<'My  name  is  Religion.  I  am  the  ofFsprinc;  of 
Truth  \r\dL,Love,  and  the  parent  of  Benevolence^  Hope^ 
and  Joy,  That  monster,  from  whose  power  I  have  freed 
you,  is  called  Superstition;  she  is  the  child  of  Discontent^ 
and  her  followers  are  Fear  and  Sorrow,  Thus,  different 
as  we  are,  she  has  often  the  insolence  to  assume  my 
name  and  character^  and  seduces  unhappy  mortals  to 
think  us  the  same,  till  she  at  length  drives  them  to  the 
borders  of  despair;  that  dreadful  abyss,  into  which  you 
were  just  going  to  sink. 

*'  Look  around,  and  survey  the  various  beauties  of 
the  globe,  which  Heaven  has  destined  for  the  seat  of 
the  human  race,  and  consider  whether  a  world  thus  ex- 
quisitely  framed,  could  be  meant  for  the  abode  of  misery 
and  pain.  For  what  end  has  the  lavish  hand  of  Provi- 
dence diffused  such  innumerable  objects  of  delight, 
but  that  all  might  rejoice  in  the  privilege  of  existence, 
and  be  filled  with  gratitude  to  the  beneficent  Author  of 
it?  Thus,  to  enjoy  the  blessings  he  has  sent,  is  virtue 
and  obedience;  and  to  reject  them  merely  as  means  of 
pleasure,  is  pitiable  ignorance,  or  absurd  perverseness. 
Infinite  goodness  is  the  source  of  created  existence; 
the  proper  tendency  of  every  rational  being,  from  the 
highest  order  of  raptured  seraphs,  to  the  meanest  rank 
of  men,  is  to  rise  incessantly  from  lower  degrees  of 
happiness  to  higher.  They  have  each  faculties  assigned 
them  for  various  orders  of  delights." 

What!"  cried  I,  "  is  this  the  language  of  Religion? 
Does  she  lead  her  votaries  through  flowery  paths,  and 
bid  them  pass  an  unlaborious  life!"  "  The  true  enjoy- 
ments of  a  reasonable  being,"  answered  she,  mildly, 
**  do  not  consist  in  unbounded  indulgence^  or  luxurious 
ease,  the  tumult  of  passions ^  the  langour  of  indulgence^ 
or  the  flutter  of  light  amusements.  Those  are  often 
raised  into  the  greatest  transports  of  joy^  who  are  sub- 


262 


On  Hygieiney  or  the  art 


ject  to  the  greatest  depressions  of  melancholy:  on  the 
contrary,  cheerfulness,  though  it  does  not  give  the  mind 
such  an  exquisite  gladness,  prevents  us  from  falling 
into  depths  of  sorrow.  Mirth  is  like  a  flash  of  lightning, 
that  breaks  through  a  gloom  of  clouds,  and  glitters  for 
a  moment.  Cheerfulness  keeps  up  a  kind  of  day-light 
in  the  mind,  and  fills  it  with  a  steady  and  perpetual 
serenity." 

Were  men  sensible  of  the  happiness  that  results  from 
true  religion,  the  voluptuous  man  would  there  seek  his 
pleasure,  the  covetous  man  his  wealth,  and  the  ambitious 
man  his  glory. 

In  vain  we  seek  a  Heaven  below  the  sky; 

The  world  has  false,  but  flattering  charms: 
Its  distant  joys  show  big  in  our  esteem, 

But  lessen  still  as  they  draw  near  the  eye; 

In  our  embrace  the  visions  die: 
And  when  we  grasp  the  airy  forms, 

We  lose  the  pleasing  dream. 

Watts. 

Let  the  affections  of  a  man  be  once  softened  and  dul- 
cified with  Divine  love,  and  he  is  ever  secure  from  the 
sudden  apoplexies  of  the  passionate,  the  poisonous  cups 
of  the  drunkard — the  murdering  pistol  of  the  duellist — 
the  assassinating  dagger  of  the  jealous — the  loathsome 
diseases  of  the  harlot — and  the  wasting  hectics  of  the 
gambler. 

The  love  of  gaming  is  the  worst  of  ills; 

With  ceaseless  storms  the  blacken'd  soul  it  fills; 

Inveighs  at  Heaven,  neglects  the  ties  of  blood; 

Destroys  the  power  and  will  of  doing  good; 

Kills  health,  pawns  honour,  plunges  in  disgrace, 

And,  what  is  still  more  dreadful — spoils  your  face. 

Young. 


of  Preserving  Health. 


263 


Though  justice  and  judgment  are  called  the  work  of 
God,  yet  his  mercy,  as  more  natural  to  him,  is  said  to 
rejoice  against  judgment;  but  these,  his  attributes,  have 
their  alternate  courses;  for  the  presumptuous  boldness  of 
man  grows  often  to  such  an  excessive  height,  as  to  ex- 
tort a  vengeance  from  his  unwilling  hands,  that  by  this 
wholesome  severity  others  may  be  cautioned  against 
secure  sinning,  upon  the  foolish  confidence  of  Heaven's 
inadvertence,  or  impotency  to  punish, 

A  man  having  spoken  slanderous  words  against  a 
gentleman,  who  had  it  in  his  power  to  punish  him,  when 
accused  of  the  falsehood,  to  justify  himself,  said,  "  If 
he  spoke  them,  he  desired  God  to  send  an  immediate 
token  of  his  wrath  upon  his  body,  and  in  case  he  should 
defer  to  do  it,  he  wished  the  devil  might."  Immediately 
he  fell  down  in  an  apoplectic  fit,  which  he  never  had  be* 
fore,  and  continued  for  seve'-al  years  to  have  them. 

A  gentleman  of  ,  having  lost  a  considerable  sum 

by  a  match  at  cock-fighting,  to  which  practice  he  was 
notoriously  addicted,  swore,  in  the  most  horrid  manner, 
that  he  would  never  fight  another  cock  as  long  as  he 
lived;  frequently  calling  upon  God  to  damn  his  soul  to 
all  eternity,  if  he  did;  and,  with  dreadful  imprecations, 
wishing  the  devil  might  take  possession  of  him,  if  ever 
he  made  another  bet.  About  two  years  afterwards,  Satan, 
whose  willing  servant  he  was,  inspired  him  with  a  vio- 
lent desire  to  attend  a  cock-fighting  at  ,  and  he 

complied  with  the  temptation.  When  he  came  to  the 
place,  he  stood  up,  as  in  defiance  of  Heaven,  and  cried, 

I  hold  four  to  three  on  such  a  cock."  Four,  what?" 
said  one  of  his  companions  in  iniquity.  "  Four  dollars," 
replied  he.  "  I'll  lay,"  said  the  other.  The  wager  being 
confirmed,  he  put  his  hand  in  his  pocket  for  the  money, 
when,  awful  to  relate,  he  instantly  fell  a  ghastly  corpse 
to  the  ground. 

Religion,  like  the  treasure  hid  in  the  field,  which  a 
man  sold  all  he  had  to  purchase,  is  of  that  price,  that 


264  Ofi  HygieinCy  or  the  art 

it  cannot  be  had  at  too  great  a  value;  since,  without  it, 
the  best  condition  of  hfe  cannot  make  us  happy;  and 
with  it,  it  is  impossible  we  should  be  miserable,  even 
in  the  worst. 

Amongst  all  the  nations,  there  are  none  so  barbarous 
and  cruel,  none  so  utterly  lost  to  all  the  sentiments  of 
humanity  and  civility,  but  have  embraced  and  continued 
amongst  them  the  notion  of  a  Deity,  or  some  Being 
entitled  to  their  adoration.  This  is  a  principle  so  deeply 
engraven  in  the  very  nature  of  man,  that  no  time,  nor 
change,  nor  chance,  hath  ever  been  able  to  obliterate  it; 
so,  that  rather  than  have  nothing  to  worship,  men  have 
often  been  contented  to  adore  as  gods,  even  the  works 
of  their  own  hands.  And,  indeed,  herein  their  ignorance 
and  folly  is  chiefly  to  be  lamented,  that  they  have  still 
made  choice  of  any  thing,  rather  than  the  true  God,  to 
pay  their  homage  and  veneration.  In  the  mean  time,  they 
shame  some  of  us,  in  having  been  more  zealous  in  their 
superstition,  than  we  are  in  the  true  religion. 

The  Athenians  consulted  the  oracle  of  Apollo,  de- 
manding what  rites  they  should  make  use  of  in  matters 
of  their  religion.  The  answer  was,  "  The  rites  of  their 
ancestors."  Returning  thither  again,  they  said,  "  The 
manner  of  their  forefathers  had  been  often  changed;" 
they,  therefore,  inquired,  *'  what  custom  they  should 
make  choice  of  in  so  great  a  variety?"  Apollo  replied, 

The  best." 

First  to  the  gods  thy  humble  homage  pay; 
The  greatest  this,  and  first  of  laws  obey: 
Perform  thy  vows,  observe  thy  plighted  troth, 
And  let  religion  bind  thee  to  thy  oath. 
The  heroes  next  demand  thy  just  regard, 
Renown'd  on  earth,  and  to  the  stars  preferr'd, 
To  light,  and  endless  life,  their  virtue's  sure  reward. 
Due  rites  perform,  and  honours  to  the  dead, 
To  every  wise,  to  every  pious  shade. 


of  Preserving  Health^ 


265 


With  lowly  duty  to  thy  parents  bow, 
And  grace  and  favour  to  thy  kindred  show: 
For  what  concerns  the  rest  of  human  kind, 
Choose  out  the  man  to  virtue  best  inclin'd; 
Him  to  thy  arms  receive;  him  to  thy  bosom  bind. 

Pythagoras. 

So  great  a  reverence  for  religion  had  the  Ethiopian 
kings  in  the  time  of  Ptolemy,  king  of  Egypt,  that  when- 
soever the  priests  of  Jupiter,  who  worshipped  in  Meroe, 
declared  to  any  individual  that  his  life  was  hateful  to  the 
gods,  he  immediately  put  an  end  to  his  days.  Nor  was 
there  any  of  them  found  to  have  had  a  more  tender  re- 
gard to  the  safety  of  his  own  life,  than  he  had  a  reve- 
rence for  religion,  till  king  Argenes,  who,  lest  the 
priests  should  tell  him  he  should  die,  began  with  them- 
selves, put  them  all  to  death,  and  thereby  abolished  the 
custom. 

The  Christians  were  to  build  a  chapel  in  Rome, 
wherein  to  perform  service  to  Almighty  God;  but  they 
were  complained  of,  and  the  ground  challenged  by  cer- 
tain inn- holders  in  that  city.  The  matter  was  brought 
before  the  emperor,  Alexander  Severus,  who  thus  de- 
termined: *'  The  things,"  said  he,  that  concern  the 
gods,  are  to  be  preferred  before  the  concerns  of  man; 
and,  therefore,  let  it  be  free  for  the  Christians  to  build 
their  chapel  to  their  God,  who,  though  he  be  unknown 
to  us  at  Rome,  ought,  nevertheless,  to  have  honour  done 
unto  him,  if  but  for  this  respect  alone,  that  he  beareth 
the  name  of  a  God." 

When  the  Duke  of  Saxony  made  great  preparations 
for  a  war  against  a  pious  and  devout  bishop  of  Magde- 
burgh,  the  bishop,  not  regarding  his  defence,  applied 
himself  to  his  episcopal  function,  in  the  visiting  and 
well-governing  of  his  church;  and  when  it  was  told  him 
that  the  duke  was  upon  his  march  against  him,  he  replied, 


2L 


266'  On  Hygieine^  or  the  art 

"  I  will  take  care  of  the  reformation  of  my  churches, 
and  leave  unto  God  the  care  of  my  safety."  The  duke 
had  a  spy  in  the  city,  who,  hearing  of  this  answer  of  the 
bishop,  gave  his  master  a  speedy  account  thereof.  The 
duke  having  received  this  information,  did  thereupon 
dismiss  his  army,  and  desisted  from  his  expedition,  say- 
ing, "  he  would  not  fight  against  him  who  had  God  to 
fight  for  him." 

While  the  colleagues  of  Constantinus,  the  Roman 
emperor,  were  persecuting  the  Christians  with  fire  and 
sword,  he  politicly  pretended  to  persecute  them  too; 
and  declared  to  such  officers  of  his  household,  and 
governors  of  provinces,  as  were  Christians,  that  he  left 
it  to  their  choice,  either  to  sacrifice  to  the  gods,  and  by 
that  means  preserve  themselves  in  their  employments, 
or  to  forfeit  their  places  and  his  favour,  by  continuing 
steady  in  their  religion.  When  they  had  all  declared 
their  option,  the  emperor  discovered  his  real  sentiments; 
reproached,  in  the  most  bitter  terms,  those  who  had  re- 
nounced their  religion;  highly  extolled  the  virtue  and 
constancy  of  such  as  had  despised  the  wealth  and  vani- 
ties of  the  world;  and  dismissed  the  former  with  igno- 
miny, saying,  that  those  who  had  betrayed  their  God, 
would  not  scruple  to  betray  their  prince:  while  he  re- 
tained the  latter,  trusted  them  with  the  guard  of  his  per- 
son, and  the  whole  management  of  public  affairs,  as 
persons  on  whose  fidelity  he  could  firmly  rely,  and  in 
whom  he  might  put  an  entire  confidence. 

The  great  Lord  Burleigh  used  to  say,  "  I  will  never 
trust  any  man  not  of  sound  religion;  for  he  that  is  fake 
to  God^  can  never  be  true  to  ?7ian,^^ 

Voltaire,  a  man  who,  after  having  long  and  too  justly 
been  considered  as  the  patron  of  infidelity,  and  after 
having  shown  himself  equally  the  enemy  to  every  reli- 
gious establishment,  at  length,  to  the  astonishment  of 
all  serious  minds,  and  at  the  close  of  a  long  life  of  near 
eighty  years,  in  the  most  solemn  manner,  gave  tlie  con- 


of  Preserving  Health. 


267 


fession  of  his  faith  here  subjoined;  and  which  is  confirm- 
ed on  the  oath  of  several  witnesses  who  were  present. 
"I  believe,  firmly,"  says  he,  '*all  the  Catholic,  Apos- 
tolic, and  I^oman  Church  believes  and  confesses.  I  be- 
lieve in  dhe  God,  in  three  Persons,  Father,  Son,  and 
Holy  Ghost,  really  distinguished;  having  the  same 
nature,  the  same  divinity,  and  the  same  power.  That 
the  second  person  was  made  man,  called  Jesus  Christ, 
who  died  for  the  salvation  of  all  men;  who  has  estab- 
lished the  holy  Scriptures.  I  condemn,  likewise,  all  the 
heresies  the  said  church  has  condemned  and  rejected; 
likewise  all  perverted  misinterpretations  which  may  be 
put  on  them." 

If  a  veteran  in  the  cause  of  infidelity  thus  closes  his 
life  and  his  works,  does  it  not  greatly  behoove  those  who 
have  been  deluded  and  misled  by  his  writings,  seriously 
to  look  to  themselves,  and  bring  home  this  striking 
example  to  their  hearts,  lest  they  fall  into  the  condemna- 
tion which  their  master  seeks  thus  meanly  at  the  end  to 
avoid? 

There  are  many  wicked  men  who  will  speak  unbe- 
coming things  of  God  in  a  humour  of  bravado  amidst 
company,  but  will  tremble  before  him  in  solitude,  and 
shudder  at  the  approach  of  death  in  sickness. 

Ah!  what  is  life?  with  ills  encompass'd  round, 
Amidst  our  hopes,  fate  strikes  the  sudden  wound: 
To-day  the  statesman  of  new  honour  dreams, 
To-morrow  death  destroys  his  airy  schemes; 
Is  mouldy  treasure  in  thy  chest  confin'd? 
Think  all  that  treasure  thou  must  leave  behind; 
Thy  heir  with  smiles  shall  view  thy  blazon'd  hearse, 
And  all  thy  hoards  with  lavish  hand  disperse. 
Should  certain  fate  th'  impending  blow  delay, 
Thy  mirth  m\\  sicken,  and  thy  bloom  decay; 


268 


On  Hygieine,  or  the  art 


Then  feeble  age  will  all  thy  nerves  disarm, 
No  more  thy  blood  its  narrow  channels  warm. 
Who  then  would  wish  to  stretch  thfs  narrow  span, 
To  suffer  life  beyond  the  date  of  man? 

The  virtuous  soul  pursues  a  nobler  aim, 
And  life  regards  but  as  a  fleeting  dream: 
She  longs  to  wake,  and  wishes  to  get  free, 
To  launch  from  earth  into  eternity. 
For  while  the  boundless  theme  extends  our  thought, 
Ten  thousand  thousand  rolling  years  are  nought. 

Gay. 

Of  all  the  singular  virtues  which  united  in  the  charac- 
ter of  Gustavus  Adolphus,  of  Sweden,  that  which 
crowned  the  whole,  was  his  exemplary  piety  to  God. 
The  following  is  related  of  him  when  he  was  once  in 
his  camp  before  Werben.  He  had  been  alone  in  the  ca- 
binet of  his  pavilion  some  hours  together,  and  none  of 
his  attendants  at  these  seasons  durst  interrupt  him.  At 
length,  how^ever,  a  favourite  of  his,  having  some  im- 
portant matter  to  tell  him,  came  softly  to  the  door,  and 
looking  in,  beheld  the  king  very  devoutly  on  his  knees 
at  prayer.  Fearing  to  molest  him  in  that  sacred  exer- 
cise, he  was  about  to  withdraw  his  head,  when  the  king 
espied  him,  and  bidding  him  come  in,  said,  "  Thou 
wonderest  to  see  me  in  this  posture,  since  I  have  so  ma- 
ny thousand  subjects  to  pray  for  me:  but  I  tell  thee, 
that  no  man  has  more  need  to  pray  for  himself,  than  he 
who,  being  to  render  an  account  of  his  actions  to  none 
but  God,  is,  for  that  reason,  more  closely  assaulted  by 
the  devil  than  all  other  men  beside."  When  the  town  of 
Landshut,  in  Bavaria,  surrendered  to  him  at  discretion, 
the  principal  inhabitants  of  it  fell  down  upon  their  knees 
before  him,  and  presented  him  with  the  keys  of  their 
town.  Rise,  rise,"  said  he;  "it  is  your  duty  to  fall 
upon  your  knees  to  God,  and  not  to  so  frail  and  feeble  a 
mortal  as  I  am." 


of  Presemng  Health, 


269 


It  was  the  daily  practice  of  that  eminent  physician, 
Dr.  Boerhaave,  throughout  his  whole  life,  as  soon  as  he 
arose  in  the  morning,  which  was  generally  very  early, 
to  retire  for  an  hour  to  private  pra}  er  and  m.editation  on 
some  part  of  the  Scriptures.  He  often  told  his  friends, 
when  they  asked  him  how  it  was  possible  for  him  to  go 
through  so  much  fatigue,  that  it  was  this  which  gave 
him  spirit  and  vigour  in  the  business  of  the  day.  This, 
therefore,  he  recommended,  as  the  best  rule  he  could 
give:  for  nothing,  he  said,  could  tend  more  to  the  health 
of  the  body,  than  the  tranquillity  of  the  mind;  and  that 
he  knew  nothing  which  could  support  himself  or  his 
fellow- creatures,  amidst  the  various  distresses  of  life, 
but  a  well  grounded  confidence  in  the  Supreme  Being, 
upon  the  principles  of  Christianity." 

From  the  very  respectful  mention  which  I  have  so 
frequently  made  of  Religion,  some  of  my  readers  may 
be  charitable  enough  to  conclude,  that  I  am  religious  in 
a  high  degree.  Would  to  God  I  were.  From  my  soul 
I  wish  that  my  devotedness  to  religion  had  all  my  life 
been  equal  to  the  exalted  opinion  which  I  entertain  of 
it.  But,  though  like  most  of  the  human  race,  I  have  too 
often  neglected  my  duty  in  this  respect,  yet  can  I  say, 
before  my  God,  that  I  look  upon  religion  as  the  only 
true  glory  and  happiness  of  man;  and  though  worlds 
were  thrown  into  the  opposite  scale,  yet  would  I  not  re- 
linquish the  joys,  imperfect  as  they  are,  which  I  derive 
from  it.  And  from  this  circumstance  I  have  often  been 
led  to  think,  that  if  I  derive  so  much  comfort  from  the 
little  religion  which  I  possess,  how  truly  enviable,  how 
superlatively  happy  must  they  be,  whose  whole  lives  are 
devoted  to  her  service,  and  whose  hearts  are  perpetually 
enjoying  those  sublime  pleasures  which  her  unclouded 
smiles  can  impart. 

Arise,  my  soul,  on  wings  seraphic  rise, 

And  praise  th'  Almighty  Sov'reign  of  the  skies; 


270  On  Hygieine,  ^c. 

In  whom  alone  essential  glory  shines, 
Which  not  the  heaven  of  heav'ns,  nor  boundless  space 
confines. 

While  this  immortal  spark  of  heavenly  flame 
Distends  my  breast,  and  animates  my  frame; 
To  thee  my  ardent  praises  shall  be  borne 
On  the  first  breeze  that  wakes  the  blushing  morn: 
The  latest  star  shall  hear  the  pleasing  sound, 
And  nature  in  full  choir  shall  join  around. 
When  full  of  thee  my  soul  excursive  flies 
Through  air,  earth,  ocean,  or  thy  regal  skies; 
From  world  to  world  new  wonders  still  I  find, 
And  all  the  God-head  flashes  on  my  mind. 
When  wing'd  with  whirlwinds,vice  shall  takeits  flight 
To  the  deep  bosom  of  eternal  night. 
To  thee  my  soul  shall  endless  praises  pay; 
Join,  men  and  angels,  join  th'  exalted  lay  I 

Blacklock. 


« 


QF 


FEVERS  IN  GENERAL. 


Under  this  head  are  comprehended  all  fevers  what 
ever,  by  which  the  human  frame  is  affected;  but,  as 
they  arise  from  a  great  variety  of  causes,  and  affect 
persons  of  very  dissimilar  constitutions,  they  must  of 
course  differ  in  their  nature,  and  require  a  very  distinct 
treatment. 

Two  very  opposite  states  of  the  human  body  are  sup- 
posed to  give  rise  to  fevers,  and  to  form  their  great  and 
fundamental  distinctions.  The  one  is  called  the  phlogis- 
tic diathesis,  or  inflammatory  disposition;  wherein  the 
heart  is  excited  to  rapid  and  strenuous  exertions,  ma- 
nifested by  great  strength  in  the  action  of  the  vessels, 
while  the  blood  itself  exhibits  a  more  florid  hue  and 
denser  texture  than  usual. 

In  the  other,  the  brain  and  nervous  system  are  more 
directly  affected,  their  energy  seems  impaired,  the  force 
of  the  heart  and  vessels  is  diminished,  the  blood  is  of  a 
looser  texture,  and  the  fluids  tend  to  dissolution. 

In  the  first  state,  when  the  inflammation  originates 
from  external  causes,  as  wounds,  contusions,  or  burns, 


272 


Of  Fevers  in  general. 


the  fever  follows  the  local  affection,  and  is  in  proportion 
to  the  degree  of  inflammation  in  the  part  affected.  Such 
fevers  are  called  sijmptj:)niatic. 

This  is  also  the  case  hi  certain  disorders  of  the  lungs, 
aand  other  viscera,  which  arise,  not  from  external  inju- 
ries, but  from  some  vice  in  the  part,  which  gradually 
brings  on  inflammation  and  fever.  If  the  local  inflam- 
mation is  removed,  the  fever  is  removed  also;  if  it 
cannot  be  subdued,  but  increases  gradually,  destroying 
the  organization  of  the  part,  the  patient  dies  sometimes 
by  the  violence  of  the  fever,  and  sometimes  merely  be- 
cause an  organ  essential  to  life  is  destroyed. 

Cold  is  found,  by  universal  experience,  to  give  a  dis- 
position to  inflammatory  disorders;  and  heat  to  those 
called  putrid.^  During  the  winter,  and  early  in  the 
spring,  pleurisies,  peripneumonies,  quinsies,  rheuma- 
tisms, and  inflammatory  fevers  prevail.  Towards  the 
end  of  summer,  and  particularly  in  autumn,  fevers  of  a 
different  nature,  with  dysenteries  and  putrid  ulcerous 
sore  throats  make  their  appearance. 

Although  it  is  true  in  general,  that  cold  occasions  a 
disposition  to  diseases  of  an  inflammatory  nature,  and 
heat  to  those  supposed  putrescent,  yet,  persons  who 
take  violent  exercise  in  sultry  weather,  or  who  acciden- 
tally fall  asleep  on  the  ground,  exposed  to  the  beams  of 
the  mid-day  sun,  are  sometimes  seized  with  fevers  of  a 
highly  inflammatory  and  dangerous  quality;  the  inflam- 
mation directly  affecting  the  brain  itself,  or  its  mem- 
branes. 

The  time  in  which  intermittents  and  remittents  arc 
most  prevalent,  is  the  end  of  summer  and  beginning  of 
autumn,  when  heat  and  moisture  combine  to  hasten  the 
corruption  of  anifnal  and  vegetable  substances,  and  fill 

*  We  continue  this  term  in  obedience  to  custom,  only.  For  it 
conveys  a  false  view  of  what  really  happens  in  those  fevers.  Re- 
cent experiment,  and  more  accurate  observation,  have  demonstra- 
ted, that  putrefaction  never  takes  place  in  a  living  body. 

The  process  which  sometimes  goes  on  in  these  malignant  fe- 
vers, has  some  of  the  appearances  of  putrefactionj  but  it  is,  in  fact* 
totally  distinct. 


Of  Fevers  hi  general. 


273 


the  atmosphere  with  miasmata.  These  considerations 
reduce  it  next  to  a  certainty,  that  something  essentially 
connected  with  a  marshy  soil  produces  fever,  and  wc 
can  suppose  nothing*  with  so  much  probability,  as  the 
effluvia  of  stagnant  water  and  corrupting  animal  and 
vegetable  substances. 

And  if  a  sudden  stoppage  of  perspiration,  from  the 
cold  of  autumn,  after  the  body  is  relaxed  by  the  heat  of 
summer,  is  sufficient  of  itself  to  produce  fever  in  dry 
and  well  ventilated  countries,  where  there  is  no  reason 
to  think  that  marsh  miasmata  prevail,  we  cannot  be  sur- 
prised to  find  them  far  more  universal  and  more  obsti- 
nate in  low  and  marshy  soils,  where  the  first  cause  con- 
curs with  the  second. 

A  still  more  active  source  of  fevers  is  the  effluvia 
from  the  living  human  body,  which,  when  long  con- 
fined, becomes  in  the  highest  degree  acrimonious,  and 
gives  rise  to  diseases  the  most  dangerous  and  malignant. 
Whenever  numbers  of  people  are  crowded  together,  the 
air  must  soon  be  deprived  of  its  vital  ingredient,  by  re* 
peated  respiration,  hence  this  infectious  matter  will  be 
formed,  but  with  most  rapidity  in  gaols,  in  hospitals,  in 
the  holds  of  ships,  and  in  dirty  dwellings,  where  its  viru- 
lent tendency  is  hastened  by  nastiness,  by  unwholesome 
food,  by  desponding  thoughts,  or  by  the  effluvia  coming 
from  bodies  in  a  diseased  state.  It  communicates  its  in- 
fection not  only  to  those  who  approach  the  places  in 
which  it  is  generated,  and  the  human  body  from  which 
it  flows,  but  also  will  remain  long  entangled  in  beds, 
blankets,  and  other  articles,  which  have  been  in  contact 
with  the  patient's  body,  retaining  its  activity,  and  capa- 
ble of  infecting  others  at  a  considerable  distance  of  time 
and  place,  if,  unhappily,  those  contaminated  materials 
are  carried  abroad.  In  this  manner,  one  person  who  is 
not  himself  infected,  may  infect  another:-the  first  person, 
in  such  cases,  being  less  predisposed  to  the  disease  than 
the  second. 

Although  the  infection  arising  from  the  living  human 
body,  is  not  perceived  to  act  at  a  great  distance  from  its 
direct  source;  yet  it  seems  most  probable  that  it  does  not 

2  M 


274 


Intermittent y  or 


immediately  lose  its  virulency;  but  after  it  is  diffused 
in  the  atmosphere,  continues  in  some  degree  to  act  in 
conjunction  with  the  miasmata  of  marshes,  with  heat, 
obstructed  perspiration,  and  the  other  caiistb  of  fever, 
and,  according  to  the  various  proportions  of  those  causes, 
combined  with  the  circumstances  of  season,  climate, 
and  the  constitution  of  the  patient,  the  nature  of  the 
fever  is  determined. 

INTERMITTENT,  OR  AGUE  AND  FEVER. 

Symptoms.  Is  that  fever  which  has  periodically,  a  clear 
intermission  alternating  with  a  return  of  its  paroxysms. 
From  the  length  of  time  between  the  fits,  the  species  of 
the  fever  are  distinguished  and  named.  Thus,  if  the  fit 
returns  every  day,  it  is  termed  a  quotidian;  if  every 
third,  a  tertian;  if  every  fouith,  a  quartan.  The  ague 
commences  with  weakness,  frequent  stretching,  and 
yawnings,  succeded  by  sensations  of  cold  in  the  back 
and  extremities,  which  increases,  until  the  limbs  as  well 
as  the  body  become  agitated  with  frequent  and  violent 
shivering.  This  continues  for  some  time,  during  which 
a  violent  pain  of  the  head  and  back,  and  a  sensation  re- 
sembling a  stricture  across  the  stomach,  frequently  dis- 
tress the  patient;  and  the  sense  of  coldness  is  so  great, 
that  no  endeavours  to  obtain  warmth  are  of  the  least 
avail.  These  symptoms,  subsiding  by  degrees,  give  way 
finally  to  w^arm  flushings,  which  increase,  until  redness 
and  heat,  much  greater  than  natural,  are  extended  over 
the  whole  body;  the  patient  at  length  burning  with  such 
extreme  heat,  as  to  be  now  as  solicitous  for  the  refresh- 
ing sensation  of  cold,  as  he  was  before  anxious  to  miti- 
gate its  violence.  After  these  symptoms  have  existed  for 
some  time,  they  gradually  decline;  the  thirst  goes  off, 
the  skin  is  relaxed,  and  a  moisture  breaks  out  on  the 
head,  which  soon  becomes  general  and  profuse;  then  it 
slowly  abates,  till  it  entirely  ceases. 

This  is  the  general  progress  of  a  regular  paroxysm  of 
a  well-formed  intermittent;  the  patient  is  often  left,  ap- 
parently, free  of  disease,  until  the  next  attack. 


Ague  and  Fever. 


275 


Causes.  The  remote  causes  of  ague  or  autumnal 
fever  are,  first,  the  effluvia  which  arises  from  marshes  or 
moist  grounds  acted  on  by  heat.  Secondly,  cold,  espe- 
cially when  accompanied  by  moisture,  which  will  ne- 
cessarily act  wiih  more  certainty,  if  a  predisposition  to 
the  disease  exists.  This  predisposition  may  be  induced 
by  living  too  sparingly,  or  on  trashy  food,  excessive  fa- 
tigue, impeded  perspiration,  preceding  disease,  indul- 
gence in  spiritous  liquors,  and  in  fine,  by  whatever  tends 
to  weaken  the  system  and  impoverish  the  blood.  Hence 
the  poor  are  more  subject  to  the  disease  than  the  rich; 

For  health  consists  of  spirits  and  of  blood, 

And  these  proceed  from  generous-  wine  and  food.. 

Pope. 

Treatment.  In  the  cure  of  an  ague,  whether  quo- 
tidian, tertian,  or  quartan,  much  the  same  plan  may  be 
followed,  which  is,  as  far  as  possible,  to  prevent  the  dis- 
ease from  being  habitual;  for  the  longer  it  continues,  the 
more  it  weakens  the  constitution,  and  disposes  the  glan- 
dular viscera,  as  the  liver,  spleen,  &c.  to  obstructions, 
and  often  prepares  the  habit  for  dropsies  and  other  chro- 
nic diseases.  So  that  although  this  disease  is  not  very 
alarming  in  its  appearaiice,  yet  if  injudiciously  treated, 
or  neglected,  it  often  draws  after  it  the  most  serious 
consequences;  and  hence  merits  particular  attention. 

The  cure  of  the  disease  therefore  calls  for  an  emetic, 
or  a  dose  of  calomel  and  jalap,  or  salts,  senna  and  manna, 
to  free  the  bowels  of  their  offending  contents;  and  if  the 
patient  be  of  a  full  habit,  with  headach  and  flushed  coun- 
tenance, the  pulse  hard  and  quick,  showing  an  inflam- 
matory disposition,  blood-letting  will  be  highly  ne- 
cessary. 

Having  by  these  means  prepared  the  system,  strength- 
ening remedies  should  next  be  employed.  Of  these,  the 
Peruvian  bark  is  the  most  celebrated,  and  ma}  be  used 
with  safety  in  the  time  of  intcrmisbion,  provided  there 
exists  no  swelling  or  hardness  of  the  viscera.  In  that 


276 


Intermittent,  or 


event  the  bark  must  be  withheld,  until  these  symptoms 
are  rendered  milder  by  the  exhibition  of  gentle  laxatives, 
blisters,  and  diaphoretic  medicines,  as  the  cathartic  and 
saline  mixtures,  (see  Recipe  11  &  14,)  whose  good  ef- 
fects will  be  greatly  aided  by  dihient  drinks  and  absti- 
nence from  solid  food. 

As  soon  as  the  system  is  properly  prepared  for  the  use 
of  the  bark,  it  may  then  be  exhibited  in  such  doses  as 
the  stomach  will  bear,  and  at  such  intervals,  that  six 
or  eight  dor.ei  may  be  taken  during  the  intermission. 
Should  it  disagree  with  the  patient  in  substance,  give  it 
in  some  other  form,  as  the  cold  infusion,  decoction,  or 
tincture.  (See  Recipe  37.  36.  53.) 

In  the  mean  time,  strict  attention  must  be  paid  to 
the  habit  of  body:  for  in  vain  shall  we  expect  to  cure 
iniermittents,  if  the  bowels  be  not  kept  open  and  the 
skin  moist. 

When,  therefore,  the  Peruvian  bark  produces  cos- 
tivenesSj  five  or  six  grains  of  rhubarb,  or  some  mild 
purgative,  should  be  added  to  each  dose;  and  in  case  of 
cold  phl<  gmatic  habits,  with  a  dry  skin,  the  addition  of 
ten  or  fifteen  grains  of  Virginia  snake-root  is  peculiarly 
proper. 

In  some  constitutions  the  bark  produces  severe  and 
copious  purging.  This  debilitating  effect  may  be  pre- 
vented by  addhig  five  or  six  drops  of  laudanum  to  each 
dose.  And  when  the  patient  is  troubled  with  sourness 
on  the  stomach,  flatulence  and  pain,  take  the  bark  in 
lime  water,  or  conjoin  with  each  dose,  eight  or  ten  grains 
of  salt  of  tartar,  or  magnesia. 

Some  patients  are  subject  to  profuse  sweats,  from 
debility.  In  such  cases  the  bark  should  be  united  with  a 
few  grains  of  the  rust  of  steel,  or  ten  or  fifteen  drops  of 
elixir  \  itriol,  and  taken  in  wine.  But  when  these  evacua- 
tions proceed,  as  they  often  do,  from  an  imperfect  cure, 
accompanied  with  great  and  intense  heat,  during  their 
prevalence,  we  must  immediately  resort  to  the  prepara- 
tory remedies,  as  blood-letting,  cathartics  and  diapho- 
retics. 

Tt  sometimes  occurs,  that  the  fever  will  not  yield  to 


Jgue  and  Fever,  '  277 


the  bark,  even  when  all  the  usual  preparatory  medicines 
have  been  employed.  In  such  cases  we  may  justly  sus- 
pect the  liver  to  be  diseased,  particularly  if  the  counte- 
nance be  either  livid,  or  pale,  or  of  a  yellowish  cast;  and 
in  that  event,  the  us*e  of  the  bark  should  be  suspended 
until  those  ob-.tructions  are  removed. 

For  this  purpose  one  of  the  mercurial  pills  (see  Re- 
cipe 24,)  should  be  given  night  and  morning,  until  ptya- 
lism,  iha  is,  a  soreness  of  the  mouth  with  increased 
spitting,  is  produced,  which  will  generally  succeed;  and 
whrn  ii  fails,  the  nitric  acid  diluted,  and  given  m  its 
usual  doses  (see  Recipe  16)  may  be  depended  on.  After 
a  ptyalism  i-^  effected,  recourse  must  be  had  to  one  or 
other  of  the  strengthening  remedies,  to  give  tone  to  the 
system. 

From  the  tenor  of  these  observations  it  follows,  that 
the  Peruvian  bark  is  not  a  remedy  to  be  employed  in 
every  case  of  intermittent  fevers,  but  that  much  caution 
is  necessary  in  the  exhibition  of  it,  lest  the  use  of  so 
valuable  a  medicine  be  turned  into  abuse.  For  unless  the 
system  is  propeily  prepared  by  suitable  remedies,  the 
administration  of  bark,  or  any  other  tonic,  is  an  error 
fraught  with  the  most  serious  mischief. 

The  Peruvian  bark  being  so  costly,  and  not  always  to 
be  had  pure,  it  must  afford  much  pleasure  to  the  bene- 
volent, to  learn  that  the  black  oak  bark  of  America 
possesses  the  same  virtues  of  the  Peruvian,  as  has  been 
verified  by  repeated  experiments,  not  only  in  the  cure  of 
intermittents,  but  other  diseases  hitherto  treated  with  the 
Peruvian  bark  alone.  It  may  be  exhibited  in  the  same 
manner,  only  in  rather  larger  doses.  In  substance  it  is 
most  efficacious,  and  if  well  pulverized  it  will  be  found 
more  palatable  than  the  Peruvian  bark,  and  not  so  apt 
to  excite  vomiting. 

Another  mode  in  which  this  remedy  may  be  employ- 
ed to  great  advantage,  from  its  abundance  in  our  coun- 
try, is  by  bathing  twice  or  thrice  a- day  in  a  strong  de- 
coction of  it;  which  to  children,  and  patients  whose 
stomachs  will  not  retain  medicine,  will  prove  exceed- 
ingly beneficial.  When  the  black  oak  bark  is  not  con- 


278 


Intermittent^  or 


venient,  the  red  oak  bark,  though  less  efficacious,  should 
be  substituted,  as  I  have  often  witnessed  the  happiest 
effects  accruing  to  debilitated  persons  bathing  in  a  strong 
decoction  of  it,  about  lukewarm,  particularly  in  the  last 
stage  of  fevers.  Hence  this  remedy  well  deserves  the 
attention  of  the  planter. 

Professor  Barton  assures  us  that  he  has  employed  the 
bark  of  the  Spanish  oak  in  gangrene,  with  the  happiest 
effect,  and  that  he  considered  it  in  powder,  equal  to  the 
best  Peruvian  bark.  See  Oak.  Materia  Medica. 

The  common  dog- wood  bark  of  our  country,  is  also 
an  excelk  nt  substitute  for  this  costly  medicine,  particu- 
larly in  the  cure  of  intermittents;  so  is  the  bark  of  the 
wild  cherry. tree,  and  of  the  lyriadendron  lulipifera,  or 
American  poplar,  all  of  which  may  be  given  in  the  same 
forms  and  doses,  as  the  Peruvian  bark.  See  Materia 
Medica. 

The  columbo  root,  as  an  admirable  corrector  of  bile, 
is  a  most  useful  medicine  in  this  complaint,  and  will 
often  be  retained  by  the  stomach,  when  the  bark,  in 
every  form,  has  been  rejected.  It  is  likewise  an  excellent 
remedy,  conjoined  wi»h  steel,  as  in  the  form  of  the  tonic 
powders  or  pills,  (see  Recipe  4  &  23,)  for  patients  dis- 
posed to  be  dropsical,  or  who  have  a  swelling  and  hard- 
ness of  the  spleen,  called  ague  cake;  especially,  if  a 
purge  or  two  have  been  previously  employed,  and  some 
mercurial  action  excited  in  the  system,  by  one  or  two 
grains  of  calomel,  taken  every  night  and  morning  for  a 
few  weeks. 

Another  valuable  medicine  in  the  cure  of  agues,  and 
which  has  frequently  succeeded  when  the  bark  failed, 
is  white  vitriol.  But  like  other  tonic  medicines,  it  re- 
quires that  the  stomach  and  bowels  should  be  freed  of 
their  morbid  contents,  before  any  good  effects  can  result 
from  its  use.  Therefore,  some  evacuating  medicine  is 
always  necessary;  after  which,  one  of  the  vitriolic  pills 
(see  Recipe  24)  may  be  given  every  three  or  four  hours 
during  the  intermission  of  fever,  gradually  repeating 
the  dose,  or  increasing  it,  as  the  system  becomes  habi- 
tuated to  its  action. 


Ague  and  Fever. 


279 


But  among  the  remedies  of  intcrmittents  none  is  more 
infallible  than  the  solution  of  arsenic,  (see  Recipe  27,) 
which  may  be  given  with  perfect  safety  to  persons  of 
every  age,  beginning  with  the  smaller  doses,  and  pro- 
portioning them  to  the  age  of  the  patient. 

Stimulants  administered  before  the  fit,  by  inducing  a 
salutary  change  in  the  system,  have  frequently  overcome 
the  disease.  It  is  in  this  way  that  emetics  are  considered 
useful  in  the  coming  on  of  the  fit,  so  is  active  exercise, 
and  other  stimulants. 

I  have  frequently,  in  obstinate  intcrmittents,  prevent- 
ed the  recurrence  of  the  fit,  by  exhibiting  a  large  dose 
of  laudanum  or  asther  about  an  hour  before  the  expect- 
ed paroxysm. 

Dr.  Kellie,  an  ingenious  surgeon  of  the  British  navy, 
states,  that  many  instances  have  occurred  of 'the  good 
effects  of  compression  by  tourniquets  or  bandages  ap- 
plied so  as  to  obstruct  the  circulation  in  two  of  the  ex- 
tremities. The  plan  pursued  by  him  was  to  apply  the 
instrument  on  one  thigh,  and  on  one  arm,  of  opposite 
sides,  at  the  same  time.  In  two  minutes  after  the  appli- 
cation of  the  tourniquets,  the  shaking  and  other  symp- 
toms of  the  cold  stage  entirely  ceased,  a  mild  hot  stage 
was  immediately  induced,  and  the  patient  found  him- 
self quite  relieved.  After  suffering  the  instruments  to 
remain  on  for  about  fifteen  minutes,  they  were  removed, 
and  the  cold  symptoms  did  not  return.  He  further  states, 
that  if  the  tourniquets  be  applied  previous  to  the  acces- 
sion of  the  paroxysm,  the  cold  stage  will  entirely  be 
prevented;  and  that,  where  the  cold  stage  of  an  ague  is 
either  thus  shortened,  or  altogether  prevented,  the  fol- 
lowing hot  stage  will  be  rendered  both  milder  and  of 
shorter  duration. 

As  agues  are  liable  to  recur,  one  excellent  mean  of 
prevention,  as  well  as  cure,  is  to  wear  fiannel  next  to 
the  skin,  and  to  exchange  the  situation  where  the  dis- 
ease was  contracted,  for  another,  even  though  not  of  a 
healthier  air.  This  alone  has  often  effected  a  cure.  In  like 
manner  a  change  of  medicines  is  as  necessary  as  a 
change  of  air,  that  the  body  may  not  become  habituated 


280 


Remittent^  or 


to  any  one  mode  of  treatment.  I'herefore,  it  ou,^bt  to 
be  remembered,  that  neither  bark,  nor  any  other  tonic 
medicine,  should  be  continued  longer  than  a  fortnight  at 
a  time,  but  should  be  changed  for  another  article  v/hose 
virtues  are  nearly  the  same.  After  a  week  or  two,  the 
former  may  be  resumed,  in  case  the  disease  should  jjrove 
obstinate;  and  to  bring  about  the  necessary  changes  in 
the  constiiution,  larger  doses  should  be  given. 

Regime N.  As  to  regimen  in  the  cold  fit,  very  little 
more  is  necessary  than  warm  camomile  tea.  In  the  hot 
fit,  the  drink  may  be  barley  water,  mint  or  balm  tea, 
lemonade,  toa^^t  and  water,  or  cold  spring  water,  taken 
often,  but  in  small  quantities  at  a  time.  When  the 
sweating  begins,  the  drinks  just  enumerated  may  be 
enlivened  w^ith  wine,  and  if  the  parent  be  able  to  take 
it,  he  may  be  allowed  a  little  nourishment.  During  the 
intermission,  the  diet  should  be  as  nutritious  as  the  pa- 
tient's appetite  and  digestion  will  allow.  Every  thing 
that  tends  to  keep  up  a  gentle  perspiration,  and  to  give 
tone  to  the  vessels,  is  useful;  hence  moderate  exercise  is 
singularly  proper,  since  nothing  more  conducch  to  th«  se 
beneficial  effects.  The  exercise  should  be  of  that  kind  to 
which  the  patient  has  been  most  accustomed;  and  taken 
in  the  open  air,  unless  wet  weather,  or  a  damp  situation 
forbid.  But  the  utmost  care  should  be  taken,  that  exer- 
cise be  not  pushed  to  fatigue,  which,  by  inducing  de- 
bility, carries  thousands,  particularly  foreigners,  to  un- 
timely graves. 

REMITTENT,  OR  BILIOUS  FEVER.  | 

Symptoms.  In  this  fever  there  is  a  remission  or 
abatement  of  its  violence,  but  not  a  total  cessation.  Like 
other  fevers,  it  commences  with  a  sense  of  coldness  and 
shivering,  accompanied  by  violent  pains  in  the  head  and 
back,  great  dejection  of  spirits,  sickness  at  the  stomach, 
giddiness,  loss  of  strength,  and  difficulry  of  breathing. 
The  cold  stage  is  succeeded  by  a  considerable  degree 
of  heat,  the  pulse,  which  in  the  cold  fit  was  small  and 


• 


Biliotis  Fever.  281 

quick,  becomes  full,  but  abates  not  of  its  quickness. — 
The  pain  of  the  head  and  back  increases,  and  the  nau- 
sea is  augmented,  frequently  terminating  in  copious 
vomitings  of  bile.  These  symptoms  continuing,  the 
,  skin,  which  had  hitherto  betn  hot  and  dry,  becomes 
moist.  Soon  after  this,  the  symptoms  abate,  and  some- 
times cease  entirely.  The  patient  flatters  himself  with 
the  hopes  of  health  speedily  returning;  but,  alas!  these 
pleasing  illusions  are  soon  dissipated  by  another  attack, 
which  comes  on  with  increased  violence.  And  if  the  fe- 
ver be  not  opposed  by  means  early  employed  and  suf- 
ficiently powerful,  a  constant  delirium  and  restlessness 
take  place;  the  discharges  become  very  offensive,  suc- 
ceeded by  twitchings  of  the  tendons,  profuse  clammy 
sweats,  and  convulsions,  which  soon  terminate  in  death. 

Causes.  Remittents  are  produced  from  the  same 
causes  which  induce  intermittents,  but  acting  here  in  a 
more  powerful  manner.  Like  these,  they  are  most  pre- 
valent in  the  months  of  August,  September,  and  Octo- 
ber, when  heat  and  moisture  combine  to  hasten  the 
corruption  of  animal  and  vegetable  substances,  and  im- 
pregnate the  air  with  noxious  exhalations. 

Treatment.  In  the  cure  of  this  fever,  all  our  ef- 
forts should  be  made  to  bring  the  remission  to  a  com- 
plete intermission;  and  this  is  to  be  effected  by  bleeding, 
cathartics,  emetics  and  diluents,  with  such  medicines 
as  have  a  tendency  to  solicit  the  circulation  of  the  fluids 
to  the  surface.  Hence,  on  the  commencement  of  the  dis- 
ease, bleeding  will  generally  be  found  necessary,  and 
should  be  often  repeated,  when  there  exists  much  pain 
in  the  head,  with  a  hard  and  quick  pulse.  But  to  evacu- 
ate the  first  passages  of  their  impure  contents  is  always 
necessary;  and  this  is  best  done  with  calomel  and  jalap, 
or  salts,  senna  and  manna,  (see  Recipe  38,^  and  when 
circumstances  do  not  prohibit  the  use  of  emetics,  they 
may  also  be  employed.  The  extent  to  which  these  means 
are  to  be  carried,  can  only  be  directed  by  the  symptoms 
present,  the  habit  of  body,  and  other  considerations.  It 

2  N 


282 


Remittent^  or 


will  in  many  cases  be  proper  to  exhibit  an  emetic  at  the 
very  first  attack,  but  this  may  sometimes  be  forbidden, 
by  great  irritability  of  the  stomach,  or  the  appearance  of 
inflammation.  For  frequently  in  diseases  of  the  same 
origin,  and  in  persons  very  nearly  similar,  wirh  respect 
to  age,  sex,  and  temperament,  one  will  frequently  be 
accompanied  with  an  inflammatory  diathesis,  whilst 
another  will  be  more  of  the  low,  irritable  species;  and 
consequently  the  treatment  must  be  varied,  in  propor- 
tion to  the  nature  and  violence  of  the  disease.  For  among 
fevers,  we  see  all  the  intermediate  degrees  and  varie- 
ties, from  common  agues  to  those  of  the  most  violent 
and  infectious  kinds. 

If  the  patient  is  of  a  strong  plethoric  constitution, 
with  a  hard  and  quick  pulse,  a  deep  seated  pain  in 
the  eyes,  a  burning  heat  at  the  stomach,  and  flushed 
countenance,  indicative  of  a  strong  inflammatory  dis- 
position, bleeding  is  absolutely  necessary,  and  should 
be  repeated  every  ten  or  twelve  hours,  or  oftcner,  until 
the  inflammatory  symptoms  subside. 

The  necessity  of  diligently  evacuating  the  intestinal 
canal,  must  be  obvious  to  every  person.  And  it  is  not 
always  by  one  or  two  brisk  cathartics  that  this  com- 
plaint is  to  be  cured;  but  the  operation  must  be  con- 
tinued until  the  whole  of  the  bilious  matter  is  evacuated, 
which  may  be  known  by  the  faeces  changing  their  color, 
and  putting  on  a  natural  appearance.  When  the  irrita- 
ting matter  is  thoroughly  evacuated,  mild  laxatives,  as 
the  cathartic  mixture,  (see  Recipe  11,)  or  castor  oil, 
answer  very  well  in  the  course  of  the  disease  to  keep  the 
body  gently  open;  but  in  desperate  cases  calomel  is 
most  to  be  depended  on.  And  if  a  ptyalism,  or  a  slight 
salivation  be  exciteuTDy  the  calomel,  the  patient  has  no 
cause  of  alarm,  but  rather  of  joy,  as  this  is  a  certain  in- 
dication of  recovery.  How  desirable  then  must  it  be  in 
high  stages  of  bilious  fever,  to  have  this  efiect  produced 
as  early  as  possible,  by  giving  calomel,  and  rubbing  in 
mercurial  ointment,  and  dressing  the  blisters  with  the 
same.  * 

Besides  the  aforesaid  evacuants,  glysters  of  warm 


Bilious  Fever, 


283 


soap-suds,  or  molasses  and  water,  to  which  may  be 
added  a  little,  vinegar,  should  be  employed;  as  they  are 
not  only  useful  in  removing  from  the  larger  intestines 
any  offending  matter  present,  but  also  in  producing  the 
good  effects  of  fomentations. 

Attention  having  been  paid  to  the  state  of  the  bowels, 
which  is  always  necessary,  because  of  the  constant  dis- 
position to  accumulate  bile,  such  medicines  as  tend  to 
determine  the  fluids  to  the  surface,  are  next  to  be  re- 
garded. Of  this  class  are  the  saline  mixture,  minder- 
erus's  spirit,  febrifui^e,  and  antimonial  powders,  (see 
Recipe  14.  15.  3.  and  1.)  Either  of  these  maybe  exhi- 
bited in  their  usual  doses,  every  two  or  three  hours,  but 
in  desperate  cases  the  antimonial  powders  with  calomel, 
or  calomel  alone,  in  small  doses,  are  most  to  be  relied  on. 

The  warm  bath  also  admirably  promotes  insensible 
perspiration,  by  relaxing  the  skin,  and  taking  off  the 
stricture  of  the  vessels;  it  consequently  should  always, 
when  practicable,  be  used,  and  if  a  bathing  vessel  can- 
not be  procured,  the  extremities  should  be  immersed  in 
warm  water  at  least  once  a  day.  The  temperature  of  the 
bath,  should  be  regulated  by  the  feehngs  of  the  patient, 
and  that  v^diich  affects  these  most  agreeably,  should  be 
preferred. 

The  cold  affusion,  by  throwing  cold  water  over  the 
patient,  or  sponging  the  body  with  vinegar  and  water, 
has  been  attended  with  the  best  effects  in  warm  climates, 
particularly  if  the  application  be  made  during  the  height 
of  the  paroxysm,  when  the  head  is  generally  affected. 

After  the  inflammatory  disposition  has  ceased,  bark 
will  add  considerably  to  the  cure;  but  if  incautiously 
used  at  the  outset,  as  it  frequently  is,  will  render  every 
symptom  more  violent.  However,  if  the  patient  sud- 
denly becomes  giddy,  feeble  and  languid,  the  bark  and 
wine  must  be  had  recourse  to,  and  given  freely  on  the 
remission;  otherwise,  it  will  degenerate  into  a  true  ner- 
voiis  fever.  But  you  must  not  mistake  the  debility 
which  arises  from  oppression,  requiring  evacuants,  for 
an  exhausted  state  of  the  system;  as  in  that  case  the  use 
of  tonics  would  be  but  little  better  than  butchery. 


284 


Remittent^  or 


Anoflier  medicine  of  great  importance  m  this  disease 
is  the  columbo  root,  which  readily  checks  the  vomiting, 
so  frequently  an  attendant,  and  supports  the  patient's 
strength  during  the  use  of  such  medicines  as  are  requi- 
site to  abate  the  febrile  heat,  and  to  carry  off'  the  bile. 

After  unloading  the  stomach  and  intestines,  by  two  or 
three  brisk  purges,  and  diminishing  the  arterial  action, 
by  bleeding  if  requisite,  a  wine  glass  full  of  the  infusion 
of  columbo,  (see  Recipe  39,)  or  ten  or  fifteen  grains  of 
the  powder  may  be  given  in  a  cup  of  mint  tea,  every 
two  or  three  hours,  either  conjointly  or  alternately,  with 
some  gentle  opening  medicine,  as  rhubarb,  rnagnesia, 
cream  of  tartar,  or  salts,  to  remove  the  redundant  bile 
by  keeping  the  bowels  open. 

Sdlts,  though  a  nauseous  medicine,  may  be  rendered 
much  less  so  by  adding  a  little  sugar,  acidulated  w^ith 
lemon  juice  or  sharp  vinegar,  as  in  the  form  of  the  ca- 
thartic mixture;  and  this  is  an  excellent  aperient,  to  be 
exhibited  in  small  doses  after  the  vitiated  bile  has  been 
removed  by  calomel.  A  solution  of  salts  in  seltzer  water, 
is  a  form  still  more  agreeable. 

During  this  general  treatment,  particular  symptoms 
will  require  attention.  The  headach  for  example,  which 
so  frequently  accompanies  this  fever,  is  to  be  treated  by 
applying  to  the  head  cloths  wrung  out  of  cold  watrr,  or 
vinegar  and  water  often  repeated,  until  the  malady  is 
removed;  besides  which  a  blister  should  be  applied  be- 
tween the  shoulders. 

As  to  the  vomiting,  that  depending  on  the  peculiari- 
ties  of  habit,  is  to  be  variously  treated.  In  some  I  have 
found  the  saline  mixture  or  infusion  of  columbo,  answer 
very  well;  in  others  a  spoonful  or  two  of  new  milk,  or 
equiil  parts  of  milk  and  lime  water,  given  every  hour, 
have  had  the  happiest  effects.  A  spoonful  of  sweet  oil 
and  molasses  has  proved  equally  beneficial,  when  vomit- 
ing is  accompanied  with  a  burning  sensation  at  the  pit 
of  the  stomach.  To  others,  porter  has  afforded  imme- 
diate relief.  Never  was  there  a  more  welcome  or  won- 
derful illustration  of  this,  than  in  the  case  of  Mrs.  Car- 
roll, consort  of  Daniel  Carroll,  Esq.  of  Dud- 
ington. 


Bilious  Fever.  285 


It  was  my  good  fortune  to  attend  this  very  amiable 
lady  under  a  most  violent  attack  of  the  bilious  fever, 
with'  incessant  vomiting.  All  t'^e  usual  remedies  were 
employed,  without  any  good  effect,  which  excited  con- 
sideraljle  alarm.  She  being  in  a  state  of  pregnancy,  and 
recollecting  that  Nature  sometimes  snatched  a  cure  be- 
yond the  rules  of  our  art,  I  a^kt  d  her  if  there  was  any 
article  of  drink  to  which  her  appetire  particularly  led  her. 
"  Yes,  Sir,"  replied  she,  I  have  been  craving  to  drink 
some  good  London  porter,  for  two  days  past,  but  I 
would  not  mention  it,  being  under  the  impression  you 
would  forbid  my  taking  it."  Learning  that  Dr.  Thorn- 
ton had  some  of  that  description,  I  immediately  obtained 
a  few  bottles,  and  giving  her  a  glass  of  it,  diluted  with  a 
little  water,  it  acted  like  a  charm, — and,  in  a  few  weeks 
I  had  the  very  great  satisfaction  of  seeing  my  fair  patient 
perfectly  restored  to  health. 

The  warm  bath,  or  local  applications,  such  as  flannels 
wrung  out  of  a  warm  decoction  o£  camomile  flowers,  or 
mint  leaves  stewed  in  spirits,  or  equal  parts  of  sweet  oil 
and  laudanum  rubbed  on  the  stomach,  have  done  much 
good;  ahd  when  these  fail,  a  large  blister,  or  a  cataplasm 
of  mustard- seed,  ought  instantly  to  be  applied  ov.er  the 
region  of  this  organ.  When  the  stomach  is  in  a  very  irri- 
table state,  the  patient  may  frequently  moisten  his  mouth 
and  throat  with  cold  water,  but  should  drink  as  little  as 
possible  of  any  liquid. 

Wakefulness,  or  inability  to  sleep,  will  often  yield  to 
the  warm  bath  and  blisters,  and  when  they  fail,  a  glass 
or  two  of  porter  or  the  camphorated  julep  may  be  given, 
which  also  failing,  a  dose  of  laudanum  is  proper  at  bed 
time,  provided  there  exists  no  considerable  inflamma-^ 
tory  diathesis. 

The  pain  in  the  bowels  is  mostly  relieved  by  the  warm 
bath, -or  a  moderate  bleeding  and  emollient  injections,  to 
which  occasionally  may  be  added  twenty  or  thirty  drops 
of  laudanum;  if  these  produce  not  the  desired  eftect,  and 
the  fundament  is  scalded  from  the  evacuations,  give  glys- 
ters  of  milk  and  lime  water,  composed  of  half  a  pint  of 
each;  these  failing,  inject  every  hour  with  cold  water,and 
apply  clothes  wrung  out  of  it,  to  the  belly. 


286 


Remittent,  or 


If  a  delirium  comes  on  in  the  first  stage  of  the  dis- 
ease, it  is  to  be  treated  by  bleeding,  purging,  and  the 
means  prescribed  above  for  violent  headach;  but  should 
it  occur  at  a  later  period,  the  pulse  weak  and  irregular, 
with  a  great  propensity  to  sleep,  besides  making  cold 
appjications  to  the  head,  the  body  should  be  frequently 
sponged  with  cold  vinegar  and  water,  or  equal  parts  of 
vinegar  and  spirits.  And  should  not  the  recollection  in  a 
few  hours  become  more  improved,  and  the  pulse  fuller 
and  more  uniform  from  this  mode  of  treatment,  it  will 
be  proper  to  apply  a  blister  to  the  head,  and  sinapisms 
or  blisters  to  the  extremities;-  besides  which,  wine  or 
some  cordial  must  be  allowed;  and  if  there  be  a  cold 
sweat,  or  coldness  of  the  extremities,  flannels  wrung  out 
of  hot  spirits,  or  spirits  of  camphor,  ought  to  be  applied 
often  around  the  arms,  legs  and  thighs. 

On  the  decline  of  this  fever,  patients  are  sometimes 
troubled  with  night  sweats,  to  relieve  which,  gentle  ex- 
ercise in  fresh  air,  and  the  tonic  powder  or  pills,  (.see 
Recipe  4  and  23,)  or  bark  and  elixir  vitriol  will  be 
proper. 

Regimen.  With  respect  to  regimen,  the  food  and 
drink  should  be  varied,  and  adapted  to  the  taste  of  the 
patient.  Nature  perhaps,  generally  takes  care,  that  no 
error  shall  be  committed  in  that  way,  during  the  con- 
tinuance of  this  disease.  The  patient  is  seldom  persuaded 
to  swallow  any  thing  but  liquids,  during  the  prevalence 
of  the  fever,  and  if  by  accident  he  should  have  an  in- 
clination for  something  more  solid,  arrow  root,  sago, 
corn,  or  rice,  gruel,  mush,  panado,  custards,  roasted  ap- 
ples, oranges,  grapes,  or  other  mild  ripe  fruits,  are  all 
that  should  be  allowed.  To  allay  the  thirst,  barley  or 
rice  water,  apple  water,  tamarind  water,  molasses  and 
water,  toast  and  water,  or  cold  spring  water,  lemonade, 
raspberry  or  currant  jelly,  dissolved  in  water,  mint  or 
balm  tea,  acidulated  with  lemon  juice,  or  other  pleasant 
acids,  may  be  given  with  great  benefit,  in  frequent,  but 
small  quantitit  s.  These  cooling  drinks  not  only  quench 
tliir^,  but  also  tend  to  excite  perspiration. 


Bilious  Fever. 


287 


Washing  the  face  and  hands  of  the  patient  from  time 
to  time  with  vinegar  and  vvater,^  is  always  refreshing. 
The  room  should  be  somewhat  darkened,  and  kept 
moderately  cool,  by  a  constant  succession  of  fresh  air; 
taking  care,  however,  that  the  current  of  wind  is  not 
immediately  directed  on  the  patient.  The  covering  of 
the  bed  ought  to  be  such  as  is  found  most  comfortable, 
and  the  body  kept  as  nearly  as  possible,  at  rest.  When 
the  fever  subsides,  and  the  patient  regains  a  desire  for 
food,  it  will  be  best,  in  addition  to  the  mild  articles  of 
diet  already  mentioned,  to  begin  with  puddings  of  vari- 
ous kinds,  new-laid  eggs  boiled  soft,  soups  with  vegeta- 
bles, raw  oysters,  &:c.  resuming  his  usual  diet  gradually, 
as  he  finds  his  health  return. 

To  keep  up  the  tone  of  the  system,  a  moderate  use  of 
genuine  wine,  or  porter  diluted,  or  brandy,  or  rum  and 
water  made  weak,  will  be  proper;  at  the  same  time  pay- 
ing due  attention  to  air,  cleanliness,  and  exercise. 

Thus  have  I  detailed,  in  the  clearest  manner,  accord- 
ing to  my  experience,  the  best  curative  means  of  this 
the  most  prevalent  and  dangerous  of  all  our  Southern 
maladies.  It  is  however  much  easier  to  prevent,  than 
cure  diseases;  and  in  order  to  the  first,  I  will  point  out 
the  general  means  which  have  been  found  conducive 
to  this  great  end,  and  which  constant  experience  has 
sanctioned. 

Prevention.  To  obviate  the  attack  of  summer  and 
autumnal  fevers,  we  should  intercept  their  causes,  or 
guard  the  habit  as  much  as  possible  against  their  influ- 
ence. 

Therefore,  on  visiting  a  warm  climate  w^here  any  epi- 
demic prevails,  the  first  stept  is  to  prepare  the  system  as 
much  as  possible,  for  the  unavoidable  change  it  is  about 
to  undergo;  and  this  preparation  consists  in  living  tem- 
perately, and  taking  every  other  7iight^  or  oftener^  one 
or  two  grains  of  calomel,  or  chewing  rhubarb,  or  drink- 
ing molasses  and  water,  or  using  sulphur  in  such  doses 
as  to  increase  the  discharge  by  the  bowels,  without  de- 
bilitating the  system.  If  there  prevails  a  fulness  of  habit, 


288 


Remittent^  or 


the  loss  of  ten  or  twelve  ounces  of  blood  will  also  be  a 
useful  precaution.  In  the  mean  time,  an  imprudent  ex- 
posure to  the  heat  of  the  sun,  or  night  air,  should  be 
strictly  avoided. 

Hard  drinking  is  another  cause  of  disease,  which 
should  be  carefully  guarded  against  in  warm  climates, 
particularly  by  seamen,  who  of  all  others,  are  perhaps, 
the  most  inattentive  to  health.  The  same  admonition 
applies  to  their  sleeping  on  deck  during  the  night,  and 
cold  bathing  when  overheated,  or  in  a  state  of  intoxica- 
tion, which  by  suddenly  checking  the  copious  perspira- 
tion, seldom  fails  to  bring  on  disease. 

Cold  moist  air  is  a  frequent  cause  of  disease  in  warm 
climates;  hence  too  much  attention  cannot  be  paid  to 
comfortable  fires,  and  suiting  the  dress  to  the  changes 
of  the  weather. 

Flannel  worn  next  to  the  skin,  is  one  of  the  chief  pre- 
servatives of  health.  Many  people  indeed,  clamour 
against  it  as  tending  to  debilitate,  because  it  creates  per- 
spiration. But  this  is  altogether  a  silly  prejudice;  as  mild 
perspiration,  or  a  soft  skin,  so  far  from  being  hurtful,  is 
the  very  habit  of  healt  h.  It  preserves  a  proper  medium 
of  temperature,  by  absorbing  the  excessive  moisture 
from  the  body  during  the  day,  and  by  preventing  the 
elFects  of  the  cold  damp  air  at  night. 

Cleanliness,  both  in  our  persons  and  apartments,  is  so 
essential  to  health,  as  to  form  a  leading  consideration  in 
all  our  views  to  that  first  of  blessings.  The  neglect  of 
this  not  only  renders  a  man  loathsome  and  offensive  to 
himself,  but  gives  rise  to  many  of  our  most  inveterate 
and  fatal  diseases. 

Among  the  various  means  used  for  the  prevention  of 
diseases,  and  for  the  preservation  of  health  in  general, 
none  is  perhaps  more  beneficial  in  warm  climates,  than 
good  wine  prudently  used.  It  increases  the  circulation 
of  the  fluids,  promotes  both  the  vsecretions  and  excre- 
tions, and  invigorates  all  the  functions  of  the  body. 
How  much  is  it  then  to  be  lamented,  that  so  valuable  a 
cordial  cannot  always  be  got  pure;  from  the  avarice  of 
selfish  men,  who,  at  a  low  price  purchase  tart  or  half- 


Mlioiis  Fever, 


289 


spoiled  wines,  and,  to  render  them  saleable,  adulterate 
them  with  the  most  poisonous  ingredients;  so  that  they 
become  the  most  insiduous  foes  to  health. 

The  common  red  wines  are  most  generally  adulter- 
ated, and  artificially  coloured,  as  manifested  by  a  red 
sediment  in  the  glass,  as  well  as  in  the  bottle.  But  the 
most  pernicious  of  all  adulterations  of  wine,  is  that  of 
sugar  of  lead,  or  lead  itself,  which  gives  it  a  sweet  taste: 
and  therefore  it  ought  to  be  remembered,  that  every 
wine  of  a  sweetish  taste,  accompanied  with  astringent 
qualities,  may  justly  be  suspected  to  be  adulterated  with 
that  noxious  mineral.* 

When  genuine  wine  cannot  be  procured,  good  old 
spirits  are  of  considerable  service,  especially  when 
taken  in  small  quantities,  and  much  diluted.  These 
pleasant  preventives,  whether  under  the  name  of  grog 
or  toddy,  must,  in  consequence  of  their  gentle  stimu- 
lant qualities,  be  peculiarly  beneficial  to  persons  whose 
lot  is  cast  in  low  situations  and  moist  air.  But  they 
should  never  forget,  that  no  where  is  the  great  virtue  of 
self-government  more  necessary,  than  in  theiruse.  For 
if  indulged  to  excess,  they  seldom  fail,  whenever  a  pre- 
disposition to  any  particular  disease  lurks  in  the  system, 
I    to  rouse  it  to  action. 

\  In  like  manner,  we  must  have  regard  to  a  proper  re- 
i  gulation  of  diet,  which  consists  in  preserving  the  happy 
,  mean  between  long  fasting  on  the  one  hand,  and  immo- 
!  derate  eating  on  the  other.  Vegetables  are  peculiarly 
i   adapted  to  warm  climates,  and  consequently  should 

i  *  To  detect  wine  adulterated  with  lead:  take  two  drachms  of 
cream  of  tartar,  and  one  drachm  of  dry  liver  of  sulphur,  which 
must  be  put  in  a  two-ounce  vial,  filled  with  distilled  or  soft  water. 
The  vial  must  be  kept  well  corked,  and  occasionally  shaken  for 
about  ten  minutes;  when  the  powder  has  subsided,  decant  the  clear 
liquor,  and  preserve  it  in  a  well-stopped  bottle  for  use. 

Prom  sixteen  to  twenty  drops  of  this  liquid  are  to  be  dropped  in 
a  small  glass  filled  with  the  wine  suspected  to  have  been  adulterat- 
ed; and  if  the  wine  turn  ^blackish  or  muddy,  and  deposit  a  dark- 
coloured  sediment,  we  may  be  certain  it  is  impregnated  with  sugar 
of  lead,  or  some  other  preparation  of  that  metal,  equally  destruc- 
tive. 

20 


290    ^  Bilious  Fever. 

\ 

constitute  the  chief  part  of  our  diet.  Sweet  oil,  when 
pure,  is  perfectly  wholesome;  but  rancid  oil,  butter,  fat, 
or  meat  the  least  tainted,  must  be  wholly  rejected. 

To  those  of  weak  habit  and  bad  digestion,  much  be- 
nefit w^ill  result  from  a  glass  of  the  infusion  of  columbo, 
or  camomile,  or  cold  water,  every  morning,  on  an 
empty  stomach. 

Such  are  the  general  means  for  preserving  health, 
and  preventing  diseases  in  a  southern  climate.  The 
chief  point  is  to  avoid  the  exciting  causes,  ancf  keep  the 
bowels  always  moderately  lax.  See  Appendix. 

NERVOUS  FEVER. 

The  fevers  already  described,  and  indeed  all  diseases 
attended  with  a  considerable  degree  of  morbid  heat, 
affect  in  some  measure  the  nervous  system;  but  in  this 
particular  species,  the  nervous  system  is  more  imme- 
diately and  more  violently  affected,  than  in  any  other. 
When  a  fever  is  once  produced,  from  whatever  cause, 
it  seldom  fails,  by  long  continuance,  to  occasion  all  the 
symptoms  which  appear  in  the  nervous  or  malign^ant 
fever. 

This  fever  has  been  described  by  different  authors 
under  various  names;  the  typhus  or  nervous  fever,  the 
slow  fever,  the  gaol  fever,  the  hospital  fever,  the  ship 
fever,  the  petechial  fever,  the  putrid  fever,  and  the  ma- 
lignant fever. 

The  first  appellation  it  receives  from  its  attacking  the 
brain  and  from  the  effects  it  produces  on  the  nervous 
system.  The  second,  from  the  slow  and  gradual  man- 
ner in  which  it  sometimes  attacks.  The  third,  fourth, 
and  fifth,  from  their  being  apt  to  arise  in  gaols,  hospi- 
tals, and  ships,  when  numbers  of  men  are  crowded  to- 
gether, and  when  sufficient  care  is  not  taken  to  have 
such  places  well  ventilated  and  cleansed.  The  sixth, 
from  certain  spots  which  sometimes  appear  on  the  skin 
of  the  patients,  labouring  under  this  disease;  the  se- 
venth, from  a  putrid  state,  or  tendency  supposed  to  take 
place  in  the  Jiuids;  and  the  last,  from  the  dangerous 


Nervous  Fever* 


291 


nature  and  malignity  of  the  fever:  but  they  are  all  one 
and  the  same  disease;  variously  modified,  according  to 
the  violence  of  the  symptoms,  and  the  difterent  consti- 
tutions o^the  patients. 

Symptoms.  The  symptoms  are  commonly  more 
various  in  this,  than  in  any  other  fever.  It  sometimes 
creeps  on  in  such  a  slow  insidious  manner,  that  the  pa- 
tient will  have  suffered  the  disease  to  make  considera- 
ble progress,  before  he  thinks  it  necessary  to  use  any 
remedies.  On  other  occasions  it  comes  on  with  a  great 
degree  of  rapidity,  and  with  many  of  the  symptoms 
common  to  all  fevers. 

Thus,  it  commences  with  alternate  sensations  of  heat 
and  cold,  a  want  of  appetite,  nausea,  and  occasional  vo- 
miting. These  are  followed  by  some  confusion  of  the 
head,  a  sense  of  weakness,  dejection  of  spirits,  tremor  of 
the  hands,  and  frequent  sighing  without  knowing  the 
cause.  At  this  stage  the  pulse  is  irregular,  sometimes  a 
little  quicker,  at  other  times  about  the  natural  standard. 
A  dull  and  heavy  pain  with  a  sense  of  coldness,  pos- 
sesses  the  back  part  of  the  head  in  some,  and  others,  a 
pain  in  the  orbit  of  one  eye. 

These  symptoms  gradually  increasing,  the  pulse  be- 
comes smaller  and  at  the  same  time  quicker,  while  the 
arteries  of  the  temples  and  neck  beat  with  additional 
force.  The  patient  is  generally  more  restless  towards 
night,  |he  breathing  is  somewhat  difficult,  and  very  little 
refreshment  is  obtained,  from  his  short  and  disturbed 
slumbers.  During  these  symptoms,  the  patient  often 
utters  vague  and  unconnected  sentences,  and  not  un- 
frequently  deafness  supervenes. 

As  the  disease  advances,  the  hands  tremble  so  as  to 
prevent  his  guiding  them  to  his  mouth;  the  fingers  are 
in  constant  motion;  the  tongue  becomes  dry,  of  a  dark 
colour,  and  trembles  vvlien  attempted  to  be  put  out;  and 
sometimes  the  gums  and  lips  are  covered  with  a  dark 
viscid  substance.  To  these  succeed  stupor,  cold  clammy 
sweats,  with  a  foetid  smell,  hiccup  and  twitching  of  the 


292 


Nervovs  Fever* 


tendons,  together  with  an  involuntary  discharge  of  the 
excrements. 

Causes.  This  fever  is  occasioned  by  impure  air, 
and  putrid  animal  and  vegetable  effluvia.  We  are  there- 
fore not  surprised  to  find  it  often  originate  in  gaols, 
ships,  and  dirty  dwellings;  where  numbers  are  crowd- 
ed together,  and  wliere  it  is  not  possible  to  have  suffi- 
cient ventilation. 

Though  human  contagion,  and  the  effluvia  arising 
from  putrid  animal  and  vegetable  substances,  arc  the 
most  frequent  and  active  cause  of  this  disease,  yet  they 
cannot  be  considered  as  the  only  ones;  for  we  some- 
times meet  with  instances  in  a  country  neighbourhood, 
of  persons  being  seized  with  the  disease  in  all  its  ma- 
lignity; where  it  is  not  epidemic,  nor  can  it  be  traced 
to  any  place  where  the  human  effluvia  could  be  suppos- 
ed to  be  confined  in  any  uncommon  degree. 

Hence  nastiness,  a  moist  atmosphere,  much  fatigue, 
cold  depressing  passions,  low  scanty  diet;  excessive 
study,  too  free  use  of  mercury,  immoderate  venery, 
profuse  haemorrhage,  or  whatever  weakens  the  nervous 
system,  may  be  enumerated  among  the  causes. 

Treatment.  With  regard  to  the  cure,  where  the 
inflammatory  symptoms  appear  to  run  very  high,  bleed- 
ing may  be  cautiously  used.  But  it  will  be  generally 
safest,  to  resort  to  a  pretty  active  evacuation  of  the  ali- 
mentary canal. 

Therefore,  on  the  first  appearance  of  the  symptoms, 
twenty  or  thirty  grains  of  ipecacuanha,  or  four  or  five 
grains  of  tartar  emetic,  may  be  dissolved  in  a  pint  or 
more  of  weak  camomile  tea;  of  which  the  patient  may 
drink  a  gill  every  fifteen  or  twenty  minutes,  until  it  ex- 
cites vomitmg;  which  ought  to  be  assisted  by  drinking 
freely  of  warm  water.  If  this  medicine  proves  only 
emetic,  the  intestines  should  be  evacuated  the  following 
day  by  a  dose  of  rhubarb,  cream  of  tartar,  or  cathartic 
mixture,  (see  Recipe  11.) 

The  saline  mixture  (see  Recipe  14,)  given  in  a  state 


Nervous  Fever. 


293 


of  effervescence,  every  two  hours,  readily  abates  thirst, 
and  removes  the  increased  irritability  of  the  system.  In 
like  manner,  a  table-spoonful  of  yeast,  given  every  three 
or  four  hours,  affords  much  relief,  and  has  alone,  often 
proved  an  effectual  remedy. 

Whatever  may  be  the  mode  of  action  of  yeast  in  ty- 
phus, the  fact  appears  to  be  indisputable,  that  fixed  air 
takes  off  that  extreme  debility  of  the  stomach  so  con- 
spicuously marked  in  disorders  of  this  nature;  and  in 
proportion  as  that  subsides,  the  pulse  rises,  becomes 
slower  and  fuller,  the  burning  heat  on  the  skin  disap- 
pears, and  a  truce  is  gained  for  the  reception  of  nourish- 
ing supplies-  The  most  agreeable  mode  of  administer- 
ing yeast,  is  to  add  two  table-spoonfuls  of  it  to  a  quart 
of  beer  or  mild  porter,  of  which  a  wine-glassful  may  be 
taken  every  hour  or  two. 

According  to  the  practice  of  Drs.  Thomas,  Currie, 
and  Jackson,  as  well  as  other  eminent  practitioners,  the 
affusion  of  cold  water  is  one  of  the  most  powerful  and 
efficacious  means  which  we  can  make  use  of  in  typhus 
fever.  Its  effects  will  be  more  salutary,  in  proportion  as 
it  is  adopted  early,  or  during  the  first  stage  of  the  dis- 
ease. Such  being  an  indisputable  fact,  established  upon 
the  firmest  basis,  we  ought  always  to  employ  it,  very 
soon  after  we  have  evacuated  the  contents  of  the  ali- 
mentary canal.  In  the  early  stage  of  the  disease,  cold 
water  may  be  poured  in*  considerable  quantity  from  a 
height,  or  dashed  forcibly  from  a  pail  on  the  patient. 
But  aspersion  or  ablution  of  the  body,  by  means  of  a 
sponge,  will  be  more  eligible  and  safe  in  the  advanced 
periods.  The  effects  produced  by  both  modes  are  grate- 
ful and  refreshing  to  the  patient,  and  they  usually  bring 
about  an  abatement  of  fever,  followed  by  more  or 
less  of  a  diaphoresis,  and  this  again  by  a  refreshing 
sleep.  ti  ;j 

Dr.  Currie  states,  that  the  cold  affusion  may  be  used 
at  any  time  of  the  day  when  there  is  no  sense'of  chilli- 
ness present;  when  the  heat  is  steadily  above  what  is 
natural;  and  when  there  is  no  general  or  profuse  per- 
spiration. During  the  cold  stage  of  the  paroxysm  of 


294 


Nervous  Fever. 


fever,  while  there  is  any  considerable  sense  of  chilliness 
present,  or  where  the  body  is  under  profuse  sensible 
perspiration,  this  remedy  ought  never  to  be  employed, 
as  we  might  extinguish  life  by  it.  In  the  advanced  stage 
of  fever,  when  the  heat  is  reduced,  and  the  debility, 
great,  some  cordial,  such  as  wine  warmed  with  an  addi- 
tion of  spice,  or  even  brandy,  should  be  given  imme- 
diately after  it. 

As  the  danger  of  this  fever,  is  in  proportion  to  the 
debility,  the  great  point  is  to  keep  up  the  strength  by  a 
liberal  use  of  bark  with  wine,  which  should  be  given  on 
the  remission,  in  such  forms  as  might  best  agree  with 
the  patient:  a  nourishing  diet  at  the  same  time  should 
be  used,  suited  to  the  taste  of  the  patient;  taking  care 
to  produce  an  evacuation  daily  by  glysters;  and  when 
these  are  not  effectual,  a  small  dose  of  rhubarb,  cream 
of  tartar,  or  some  gentle  purge,  may  occasionally  be 
given. 

By  this  general  plan,  a  cure  will  for  the  most  part  be 
effected;  but  in  the  progress  of  the  disease,  particular 
morbid  symptoms  will  require  especial  treatment.  Thus, 
affections  of  the  head  with  stupor  and  delirium,  will 
sometimes  be  relieved  by  shaving  the  head,  and  fre- 
quently applying  cloths  wrung  out  of  cold  vinegar  and 
water  to  it.  But  if  these  affections,  notwithstanding, 
should  continue,  a  blister  to  the  head,  and  sinapisms  to 
the  feet,  will  be  required. 

When  a  diarrhoea  or  looseness  occurs,  three  or  four 
drops  of  laudanum,  or  double  the  quantity  of  the  ano- 
dyne sudorific  drops,  (see  Recipe  17,)  should  be  given 
in  a  little  mulled  wine,  and  repeated  as  may  be  found 
necessary. 

In  case  of  watchfulness,  the  camphorated  julep  or 
porter  and  water  will  generally  succeed.  When  how- 
ever, these  means  fail,  ^nd  there  is  great  prostration 
of  strength,  followed  by  stupor,  and  a  train  of  the  most 
distressing  symptoms,  wine  should  be  exhibited  in  large 
quantities;  and  it  will  be  found  that  the  patient  will 
show  a  relish  for  this  valuable  cordial,  after  refnsinf^ 
medicines  and  every  kind  of  nourishment  in  a  solid 


JVervous  Fever. 


295 


form.  At  first  it  is  better  relished  mulled;  but  after- 
wards, the  patient  will  take  it  freely  in  its  pure  state, 
and  in  the  quantity  of  one  or  two  quarts  a-day,  without 
intoxication. 

The  proper  rule  to  be  observed  in  the  use  of  wine 
is  to  give  it  until  the  pulse  fills,  the  delirium  abates, 
and  a  greater  degree  of  warmth  returns  to  the  extre- 
mities. And  upon  the  smallest  appearance  of  the  stupor 
returning,  the  pulse  quickening,  and  sinking,  for  they 
usually  go  together,  the  wine  must  be  resumed,  and 
continued  in  that  quantity  which  is  found  sufficient  to 
keep  up  the  pulse,  and  ward  off  the  other  bad  symptoms. 

When  wine  cannot  be  had,  rum  or  brandy  diluted 
with  milk,  or  water  sweetened,  will  answer,  and  with 
some  patients  is  better  relished.  The  friends  of  the  sick 
should  never  be  disheartened  too  soon,  for  here,  if  any 
wherCj  we  may  say  while  there  is  life,  there  is  hope." 
And  I  can  truly  aver  that  I  have  often  seen  the  patient 
raised,  as  it  were  from  the  dead,  by  the  determined 
use  of  generous  wine  alone,  especially  old  Madeira. 

As  soon  as  the  patient  is  able  to  take  nourishment, 
such  as  panado,  arrow-root,  &c.  the  quantity  of  wine 
must  be  gradually  diminished.  For  although  it  be  ab- 
solutely necessary  to  take  it  so  liberally,  during  the^on- 
tinuance  of  this  fever,  yet,  as  soon  as  that  shall  have 
left  the  patient,  much  caution  becomes  necessary  in  the 
use  of  it:  since  the  third  part  of  what  formerly  had 
proved  a  salutary  cordial  and  restorative,  would  in  this 
state  of  convalescence,  occasion  a  dangerous  intoxi- 
cation. 

When  the  patient  is  able  to  resume  the  bark,  it  may 
be  given  in  such  doses  as  the  stomach  will  bear;  and 
in  case  of  aversion  to  it,  an  infusion  of  camomile  flowers, 
columbo,  or  pomegranate  bark,  may  be  substituted.  {See 
Materia  Meclica,) 

Blisters,  as  well  as  sinapisms,  are  serviceable,  by 
their  stimulating  effects;  but  they  should  not  be  con- 
tinued on  long  at  a  time:  and  when  a  blister  is  raised 
in  this  disease,  the  sore  should  be  frequently  washed 
with  an  infusion  of  bark;  and  nothing  ought*  tobe  ap- 


296 


Nervous  Fever* 


plied  to  the  part  which  may  tend  to  increase  the  dis- 
charge;  for  that,  by  debilitating  the  system,  would 
prove  injurious.  In  the  course  of  the  disease,  if  the  lips 
and  teeth  are  covered  with  a  dark  crust,  attended  with 
ulcers  in  the  mouth  and  throat,  the  detergent  gargle 
(see  Recipe  42,)  should  be  frequently  used. 

In  every  malignant  case,  this  fever  tends  fatally  on 
or  before  the  seventh  day:  but  more  frequently  those 
who  die,  are  carried  off  about  the  middle  or  towards 
the  end  of  the  second  week.  When  the  patient  survives 
the  twentieth  day,  he  usually  recovers.  When  the  fever 
terminates  favourably  before,  or  at  the  end  of  the  second 
week,  the  crisis  is  generally  obvious;  but  when  that 
happens  at  a  later  period,  particularly  if  after  the  third 
week,  the  favourable  turn  is  less  evident;  and  some- 
times several  days  pass,  during  which  the  disease  goes 
off  so  gradually,  that  the  most  experienced  are  in  doubt 
whether  it  abates  or  not.  At  length,  however,  it  be- 
comes evident  by  a  warm  moisture  on  the  skin,  by  the 
dark- coloured  gluey  substance  which  adheres  to  the 
gums  and  lips,  growing  less  tenacious,  and  being  more 
easily  removed;  by  the  stools  regaining  a  natural  colour; 
by  the  urine  being  made  in  greater  quantity,  and  depo- 
siting a  sediment;  by  a  return  of  appetite,  and  by  the 
pulse  becoming  slower  than  it  was  before  the  Gom- 
mencem'ent  of  the  disease. 

Regimen.  In  addition  to  the  mild  articles  of  diet 
enumerated  in  the  bilious  fever,  bread  and  milk,  with 
a  little  water,  sugar,  and  the  pulp  of  a  roasted  apple, 
form  a  most  grateful  and  nutritious  food;  and  for  the 
sake  of  variety,  cider,  perry,  porter,  or  any  other  drink 
which  the  patient  covets,  should  always  be  allowed. 

It  has  been  observed,  that  this  fever  often  originates 
from  corrupted  air,  and  of  course  must  be  aggravated 
by  it;  great  care  should  therefore  be  taken,  to  prevent 
the  air  from  stagnating  in  the  patient's  chamber.  When 
that  is  small,  and  cannot  be  well  ventilated,  the  patient 
should  be  carried  into  the  open  air,  and  allowed  to  sit 
there  two  or  three  hours  every  day  in  mild  weather. 


-  jVervous  Fever.  297 

> 

When  this  cannot  be  conveniently  done,  every  means 
in  our  poweirlo  ventilate  the  room  should  be  employed. 
Strong-scented  herbs  ought  every  day  to  be  strewed 
about  the  room,  and  vinegar  frequently  sprinkled  about 
the  bed  clothes,  and  some  evaporated,  by  pouring  it  on 
a  hot  iron.  The  bed  clothes  ought  to  be  in  no  greater 


quantji  than  is  agreeable  to  his  feelings,  and  when  he 
can  sflBip,  with  hi^lodit 

refre^ing  change  of^5?Btur^nd  situation.  The  patient 
shoi^AJiave  his  linen  apH'^^Siyiijg^ hanged  often,  and 
the  s!5oJ^  removed  ct^arly. asj^sible;  for  nothing  re- 
es  the»*sick  more  th<||^  cdm  air  and  cleanliness, 
th^  early  stage  of  this  disease,  when  there  is 
eternatural  heat,  washing  the  face  and  hands 
often'^in  cold  vinegar  and  water,  ^lid  wiping  the  body 
with  wet  cloths,  will  be  highly  refreshing;  and  in  the 
more  ad\^ced  stage  of  the  disease^Vhen  there  is  less 
febrile  iMjat,  bathing  daily  in  a  strong  decoction  of  black 
or  red  oSk  bark,  about  milk  warm,  cannot  f^l  to  pro- 
duce the  happiest  effects.  {See  Oak.  Materia  Medica,) 
In  all  cases  where  the  fever  is  unusually  protracted,  and 
leaves  the  patient  in  excessive  weakness,  the  recovery 
is  slow  and  precarious;  and  the  greatest  care  is  required 
to  prevent  any  error  in  diet,  during  the  convalescence, 
as  a  very  small  degree  of  excess  at  this  time,  will  pro- 
duce very  troublesome  consequences.  Food  of  easy 
digestion,  taken  in  small  quantities  and  often  repeated; 
gentle  exercise  when  the  weather  is  favourable;  atten- 
tion to  prevent  costiveness,  by  some  mild  laxative;  and 
the  use  of  bitters  to  assist  digestion,  or  the  rust  of  steel, 
when  there  is  any  prevailing  acid  on  the  stomach,  arc 
the  most  certain  means  of  reinstating  health. 

Having  in  the  preceding  chapter  enumerated  the  dif- 
ferent means  for  the  prevention  of  diseases,  I  shall  now 
point  out  such  as  are  most  suitable  to  arrest  the  pro- 
gress of  contagion  when  commenced. 

When  a  contagious  fever  makes  its  appearance,  the 
first  precaution  is  to  separate  the  sick  from  the  healthy, 
and  thus  to  cut  off,  as  much  as  possible,  the  intercourse 
betwe^  them.  The  next  step  should  be,  to  purify  both 

2  P 


298 


Nervous  Fever. 


beds  and  clothes  from  every  particle  of  filth.  The 
chambers  must  be  often  fumigated,  by  burning  good 
sharp  vinegar  or  tar,  and  the  floor  washed  daily  with 
ley  or  the  solution  of  pot-ashes,  or  strong  soap-suds.  A 
cloth  wetted  in  lime  water  and  hung  up  in  the  room, 
and  replaced  as  often  as  it  becomes  dry,  is  also  a  great 
mean  of  purifying  infected  air. 

When  a  contagious  disease  originates  on  shipboard, 
quicklime  should  always  be  addtd  to  the  water  wjiich 
is  used  for  commoi^  driak',  \%  the  proportion  ^one 
pound  of  quick  lime,  t^hogshea^d  of  water;  biiffll  the 
water  is  impure,  a  larger  quality  of  lime  will  be  tje- 
cessary;  and  some  of  it  should  be  put  also  ^intc^the 
ship's  well,  to  prevent  the  putrid  and  foul  airij^isilJg 
thence. 

When  these  means  are  ineffectual  to  stop  the  pro- 
gress of  any  contagious  disorder,  fumigatio||  with  the 
nitrous  vapour,  will  undoubtedly  succeed:^nd  the 
method  of  preparing  it,  is  to  put  half  an  ?unce  of 
vitriolic  acid  into  a  cup;  warm  it  over  a  shovel  of  coals, 
adding  to  it,  by  little  and  little,  about  the  same  quantity 
of  powdered  saltpetre,  and  gtirring  it  occasionally 
with  a  slip  of  glass,  as  long  as  the  vapour  arises.  The 
vessel  is  then  to  be  carried  about  the  room,  the  doors 
and  windows  being  close  shut,  and  put  in  every  corner 
and  place  where  it  can  be  suspected  there  is  any  foul 
air;  the  fumigation  to  be  continued  for  one  or  two 
hours  every  day,  or  oftener,  until  the  contagion  is 
destroyed. 

If  the  vapour  should  irritate  the  lungs,  so  as  to  ex- 
cite much  coughing,  fresh  air  should  be  admitted,  by 
opening  the  door  or  windows  of  the  room.  However, 
after  a  little  familiarity  with  it,  this  vapour  will  not 
offend  the  lungs,  but  on  the  contrary  will  prove  highly 
grateful  and  refreshing. 

The  vapour  of  muriatic  acid  has  also  been  success- 
fully employed  in  purifying  infected  air,  and  destroying 
contagion.  It  is  made  use  of  in  the  following  manner. 
I^ut  one  pound  of  common  salt  into  an  earthen  vessel, 
and  pour  over  it,  from  lime  to  time,  a  small  quantity 


Nervous  Fever. 


299 


of  sulphuric  acid,  till  the  whole  salt  is  moistened.  If  the 
air  is  foul,  and  peculiarly  offensive,  apply  a  gentle  heat 
under  the  vessel,  to  extricate  a  larger  quantity  of  va- 
pour; but,  in  general,  the  simple  addition  of  the*  acid  to 
the  salt  vi^ill  be  found  sufficient,  unless  the  apartment 
is  very  large. 

An  eminent  physician  belonging  to  the  marine  bar- 
racks of  Brest,  states,  that  previous  to  visiting  the  hos« 
pital,  he  was  in  the  habit  of  introducing  into  his  nos- 
trils sponge  cut  in  a  proper  size  and  shape,  and  mois- 
tened with  some  essential  oil.  He  also  kept  in  his 
mouth  a  piece  of  orange-peel;  and  from  this  simple 
method  he  escaped  several  putrid  and  pestilential  dis- 
eases, which  in  one  year  killed  eleven  physicians  and 
one  hundred  and  thirteen  students. 

Where  any  one  is  apprehensive  of  having  caught  in- 
fection, which  may  be  suspected  by  a  bad  taste  of  the 
moutb,  and  want  of  appetite;  an  emetic  should  be  given 
towards  the  evening,  and  on  the  patient's  going  to  bed 
he  may  be  allowed  a  little  mulled  cider,  or  wine  whey, 
with  a  small  dose  of  the  anodyne  sudorific  drops.  (See 
Recipe  17.) 

The  warm  bath,  if  such  a  luxury  can  be  commanded, 
would  here  be  found  exceedingly  refreshing  and  bene- 
ficial, 

PHRENSY,  OR  INFLAMMATION  OF  THE 
BRAIN. 

Symptoms.  A  deep-seated  headach,  redness  of  the 
eyes  and  face,  violent  throbbing  or  pulsation  in  the  ar- 
teries of  the  neck  and  temples,  incapability  of  bearing 
light  or  noise,  a  constant  watching  or  delirium  with 
picking  the  bed  clothes.  The  pulse,  although  some- 
times  languid,  is  generally  hard,  tense  and  strong.  The 
mind  chiefly  runs  upon  such  subjects  as  have  before 
made  a  deep  impression  upon  it,  and  sometimes  from 
a  sullen  silence  the  patient  becomes  all  of  a  sudden  de- 
lirious and  quite  outrageous. 


300 


Phrensy* 


Causes.  Exposure  of  the  head  to  the  scorching 

rays  of  the  sun;  too  deep  and  long.continued  thinking; 

excessive  drinking;  suppression  of  usual  evacuations^j^ 

concussion  of  the  brain,  and  whatever  may  increase  the 

afflux  of  blood  to  the  head. 

> 

Treatment.  Blood-letting  is  the  "  anchor  of  hope''* 
in  this  disease,  which  should  be  employed  copiously 
on  its  first  attack,  and  repeated  as  the  symptoms  and 
strength  of  the  patient  will  permit.  Immediately  after 
bleeding,  a  large  dose  of  salts,  or  some  cooling  purge 
must  be  given.  Ice  pounded  and  put  into  a  bladder,  or 
folds  of  cloth  wet  with  vinegar  or  cold  water,  should 
constantly  be  applied  to  the  head,  and  if  the  symptoms 
prove  obstinate,  it  ought  instantly  to  be  shaved,  and 
the  whole  of  the  scalp  covered  with  a  blister.  When 
the  pulse  has  been  reduced  by  blood-letting  from  the 
arm,  if  the  pain  in  the  head  continue  severe,  let  cups  or 
leeches  be  forthwith  applied  to  the  temples,  forehead, 
and  back  of  the  head. 

Bathing  the  feet  and  legs  in  warm  water,  or  wrapping 
them  up  in  flannel  wrung  out  of  hot  water,  is  also  of 
great  service,  by  producing  a  revulsion  of  blood  from 
the  head.  With  the  same  view  sinapisms  should  be 
employed. 

One  of  the  antimonial  camphorated  powders,  (see 
Recipe  1  and  2)  given  every  two  hours,  or  large  por- 
tions of  nitre  dissolved  into  the  patient's  drink,  will  be 
useful. 

If  the  disease  be  occasioned  by  a  sudden  stoppage  of 
evacuations,  every  means  to  restore  them  must  be  tried. 
In  all  inflammatory  aflfections  of  the  head,  a  copious 
discharge  from  the  intestines  will  be  found  highly  be- 
neficial, by  diverting  the  humours  from  the  head;  and  * 
when  we  cannot  employ  purgatives,  laxative  clysters 
should  be  used. 

To  assist  also  in  diminishing  the  determination  of  the 
blood  to  the  head,  the  patient  should  be  kept  as  near 
the  erect  posture  as  can  easily  be  borne. 


Cold. 


301 


Regimen,  The  diet  should  be  of  the  lightest  kind, 
as  ripe  fruits,  with  diluent  drinks,  such  as  cold  water^ 
tamarinds  and  water,  &c.  freely  used.  The  patient  to 
be  kept  in  a  dark  room,  as  cool  and  quiet  as  possible; 
avoiding  all  irritating  causes,  and  breathing  a  current  of 
fresh  air.* 

COLD, 

Is  a  disease  of  the  inflammatory  kind,  which  occurs 
more  frequently  on  sudden  changes  of  the  weather, 
and  attacks  persons  of  all  constitutions,  but  especially 
those  of  consumptive  habits. 

It  is  also  at  times  epidemic,  when  it  is  known  by  the 
name  of  influenza,  and  has  been  erroneously  consider- 
ed as  depending  upon  a  specific  contagion  for  its  cause, 

I'he  influenza  generally  pays  us  a  visit  every  six  or 
seven  years.  The  season  of  its  visitation  is  the  middle 
or  latter  end  of  autumn,  after  a  long  spell  of  dry  weather, 
as  was  verified  last  year.  It  would  appear  to  be  no  re 
specter  of  persons,  knocking  equally  at  the  door  of  the 
rich  and  the  poor,  and  attacking  the  young  no  less  than 
the  aged. 

Symptoms.  Its  first  symptoms  are  a  stoppage  of  the 
nose,  dull  pain,  with  a  sense  of  weight  in  the  forehead; 
stiffness  in  the  motion  of  the  eyes,  and  soon  after  cough, 
hoarseness,  an  increased  secretion  of  mucus  from  the 

*  It  was  of  this  disease,  generally 'termed  a  stroke  of  the  sun, 
that  the  brave  general  Greene,  an  officer  second  only  to  Wash- 
ington, died  at  Mulberry  Grove,  his  country  seat  near  Savannah. 
As  a  true  Refmblican  he  delighted  in  exercise,  particularly  that  of 
gardening:  of  which  he  was  so  fond  as  sometimes  to  continue  it 
under  the  meridian  blaze.  It  was  in  this  garden  that  the  last  sum- 
mons found  him.  His  honourable  friend,  E.  Telfair,  Esq.  had 
often  cautioned  him  against  imprudent  exposure  to  the  Georgia 
suns:  but  believing  that  he  possessed  the  same  nerves,  as  in  the 
hot  field  of  Monmouth,  he  still  pursued  his  favourite  exercise. 
But  while  busily  adorning  the  soil  which  his  own  valour  had  so 
gloriously  defended,  a  sun-beam  pierced  his  brain,  and  in  a  short 
time  translated  to  heaven,  as  noble  a  spirit  as  eVer  fought  under  the 
standard  of  Liberty, 


302 


Cold. 


nose,  and  tears  from  the  eyes,  attended  with  mor^  or 
le^s  fever,  and  sometimes  sore  throat. 

Cause.  This  disease  is  generally  the  effect  of  cold, 
which  by  obstructing  the  perspiration,  throws  the  re- 
dundant humours  upon  the  nose,  fauces  and  lungs; 
or  to  those  great  physical  changes  which  give  rise  to 
epidemics. 

Treatment.  The  treatment  of  this  disease,  as  of 
all  others  of  an  inflammatory  nature,  consists  of  the  an- 
tiphlogistic, or  cooling  remedies.  Where  it  is  slight, 
little  else  will  be  necessary  than  to  live  abstemiously; 
avoid  cold,  and  whatever  may  increase  the  feverish 
habit.  Bathe  the  feet  and  legs  before  going  to  bed, 
in  lukewarm  water,  and  drink  freely  of  diluting  li- 
quors, as  flaxseed,  balm  or  ground  ivy  teas,  weak 
wine  whey,  barley  water,  &c.  thereby  exciting  perspi^ 
ration;  and  taking  care  afterwards  to  avoid  a  sudden 
exposure  to  cold  or  damp  air.  Attention  must  at  the 
same  time  be  paid  to  keeping  the  bowels  open,  by  the 
occasional  use  of  castor  oil,  or  some  cooling  cathartic. 

When  the  disease  is  more  violent,  blood-letting  in 
a  larger  or  smaller  quantity  should  be  employed;  and 
repeated  as  the  symptoms  may  require,  in  conjunction 
with  the  preceding  remedies.  And  in  case  of  pain, 
apply  a  blister  as  near  as  possible  to  the  affected  part. 

If  the  cough,  which  is  often  troublesome,  be  not 
removed  by  diluent  dr!nks,  or  flaxseed  sy)|up,  (see 
Flaxseed.  Materia  Meclica,)^  or  by  cheWing  liquorice- 
ball,  or  by  taking  now  and  then  a  tea-spoonful  of 
sweet. oil  and  honey;  opiates,  after  the  inflammatory 
symptoms  have  abated,  may  be  given  at  bed  lime  with 
success.  Sixty  or  eighty  drops  of  paregoric,  for  ex- 
ample— or  thirty  or  forty  of  laudanum,  or  the  anodyne 
sudorific  draught  or  bolus  in  warm  tea.  (See  Recipe 
18  and  20.)  The  steam  of  hot  water,  or  vinegar  and 
water,  inhaled,  also  greatly  alleviates  this  symptom,  as 
well  as  the  hoarseness,  so  commonly  prevalent.  When 
the  cough  is  very  frequent,  the  fever  considerable,  and 


Cold. 


303 


tlie  breathing  intercepted  by  transient  pains,  or  tightness 
of  the  chest,  the  cooling  course  above  recommended, 
such  as  bleeding,  purging,  blistering,  with  diluting 
drinks,  must  be  early  emjiloyed;  otherwise  inflamma- 
tion  of  the  lungs  will  succeed,  which,  if  not  speedily 
removed,  may  terminate  in  consumption. 

The  frequency  of  this  disease,  from  the  sudden 
changes  of  weather  to  which  our  climate  is  subject, 
and  the  slight  degree  of  alarm  generally  excited  by 
what  is  called  **  only  catching  a  cold^'*'^  too  often  occa- 
sions that  neglect,  which  gives  rise  to  the  most  distress- 
ing maladies,  such  as  quinsy,  pleurisy,  inflammation  of 
the  lungs,  rheumatism,  &.c. 

Fully  satisfied  that  numbers  fall  victims  to  the  sup- 
posed insignificance  of  this  insidious  enemy,  I  have 
thought  it  my  duty  thus  to  warn  the  inattentive. 

Prevention.  To  guard  against  this  disease,  the 
utmost  attention  should  be  paid  to  a  due  regulation  of 
the  clothing;  which  ought  to  be  neither  too  thin,  nor 
so  irregularly  disposed,  as  to  leave  one  part  of  the 
body  naked^  whilst  the  rest  is  burthened,  and  too 
warmly  clad;  an  error  frequently  committed  among 
children  and  young  persons.  Warm  rooms  and  impure 
air  may  weaken  the  body,  but  warm  clothing  can  never 
be  injurious  in  cold  weather.  The  use  of  flannel  cannot 
be  too  highly  recommended  as  a  preventive  of  this  dis- 
ease;  and  if  an  objection  should  be  made  to  weafing  it 
next  to  the  skin,  on  account  of  the  irritation  it  occa- 
sions, it  may  be  worn  over  the  linen. 

Putting  on  wet  clothes,  or  lying  in  damp  sheets,  or 
sitting  in  wetted  ro^is,  are  so  well  known  to  be  inju- 
rious, that  it  is  hardly  necessary  to  admonish  people 
against  such  obvious  improprieties.  The  common  pru- 
dence of  shunning,  when  heated,  a  torrent  of  cold  air 
from  the  crevice  of  a  door  or  window;  or  throwing  ofl* 
the  clothing  immediately  after  taking  exercise,  are  so 
obvious,  as  not  to  be  required  to  be  enlarged  on.  Equal 
danger  arises  Jfrom  too  suddenly  passing  out  of  an  at- 


304 


Quinsy,  or 


mosphere  of  a  very  cold  temperature,  to  one  of  a  much 
warmer. 

Thus,  when  any  part  of  the  body  has  been  exposed 
to  cold,  it  is  liable  to  be  much  more  affected  by  heat, 
than  before  the  exposure.  Of  this,  the  method  of  treat- 
ing frozen  limbs  in  cold  countries,  affords  a  beautiful 
and  decisive  proof.  Were  a  frozen  limb  to  be  brought 
before  the  fire,  or  immersed  in  water,  a  violent  in- 
flammation would  come  on,  and  speedily  terminate  in 
mortification.  They  therefore  rub  the  parts  benumbed 
with  snow,  and  then  very  gradually  expose  them  to  a 
warm  temperament. 

Hence  it  will  evidently  appear,  that  strong  drinks, 
both  before  and  after  exposure  to  severe  cold,  must  be 
highly  dangerous;  and  it  should  always  be  remembered, 
that  when  the  body  has  been  either  chilled  or  much 
heated,  it  must  be  brought  back  to  its  natural  state  by 
degrees;  and  again,  after  being  exposed  to  wet  weather 
in  summer,  the  clothes  should  be  changed  as  soon  as 
possible,  and  the  body  kept  quiet  and  cool  for  some 
time. 

By  attention  to  these  precautions,  those  inflammatory 
diseases,  for  which  cold  only  prepares  the  system,  may 
be  easily  avoided. 

QUINSY,  OR  INFLAMMATORY  SORE 
THROAT. 

Symptoms.  Is  distinguished  by  a  sense  of  heat,  pain 
and  tightness  in  the  fauces  and  throat,  accompanied  by 
a  difliculty  of  svv'allowing,  particularly  fluids.  In  gene- 
ral, the  inflammation  begins  in  one  tonsil,  a  gland  oil 
each  side  of  the  palate;  then  spreads  across  the  palate, 
and  seizes  the  other  tonsil.  When  the  inflammatipn 
possesses  both  sides,  the  pain  becomes  very  severe, 
and  swallowing  is  performed  with  extreme  difficulty; 
but  if  it  attacks  the  upper  part  of  the  windpipe,  it 
creates  great  danger  of  suffocation. 


Inflammatory  Sore  Throat. 


305 


Causes.  Cold — wet  feet — throwing  off  the  neck- 
cloth — or  drinking  cold  water  when  overheated. 

Treatment.  The  same  rules  are  to  be  observed^ 
as  in  all  cases  of  disease  highly  inflammatory,  such  as 
bleeding,  purging,  and  other  cooling  means.  The  ex- 
tent to  which  these  are  to  be  used,  can  only  be  ascer- 
tained by  the  violence  of  the  disease,  and  the  constitu- 
tion of  the  patient;  but  from  the  danger  of  this  com- 
plaint, they  should  be  early  and  freely  employed,  par- 
ticularly if  there  exists  any  fever. 

Local  applications  have  also  their  good  effects,  and  in 
slight  cases,  are  often  sufficient  to  remove  the  inflamma- 
tion. Receiving  the  steams  of  warm  water,  or  vinegar 
and  water,  through  a  funnel  or  spout  of  a  tea-pot,  will 
give  great  relief.  Much  benefit  may  be  derived  from  the 
use  of  gargles,  commencing  with  the  common^  and  after 
the  inflammation  is  considerably  abated,  using  the  as- 
tringent gargle.  (See  Recipe  40  and  41.)  At  this  stage  of 
the  disease,  gargles  of  port  wine,  or  brandy  and  water, 
answer  every  purpose,  to  restore  the  tone  of  the  fibres, 
relaxed  from  over  distention. 

External  applications  are,  likewise,  of  great  use.  In 
slight  cases  it  will  be  sufficient  to  have  the  neck  rubbed 
twice  or  thrice  a-day  with  the  volatile  or  camphorated 
liniment,  (see  Recipe  64  and  65,)  and  apply  a  piece  of 
flannel.  The  embrocation  will  be  rendered  still  more 
stimulating  by  adding  a  small  portion  of  the  tincture  of 
cantharides.  But  in  those  cases  where  the  inflammation 
is  considerable,  the  early  application  of  leeches,  or  a 
blister  or  cataplasm  of  mustard  around  the  neck,  is 
most  to  be  relied  on;  which  by  exciting  external  in- 
flammation, will  lessen  the  internal.  Onions  {see  Materia 
Medica,)  are  also  excellent  when  applied  externally  in 
this  disease. 

In  addition  to  those  remedies,  the  antimonial  mixure 
(see  Recipe  6)  or  decoction  of  rattlesnake  root,  (see 
Materia  Med?ea,)  given  in  such  doses  as  will  excite 
perspiration,  is  much  to  be  depended  on,  when  the  in- 
flammatory svmptoms  run  high;  and  before  the  febrile 

2Q 


306 


Qiihisy. 


symptoms  are  any  way  violent,  the  timely  exhibition  of 
an  emetic  often  proves  extremely  useful,  and  some- 
times checks  its  complete  formation. 

Should  these  means  prove  ineffectual,  and  there  ap- 
pears a  tendency  to  suppuration,  it  ought  to  be  pro- 
moted by  frequently  taking  into  the  fauces  the  steams 
of  warm  water,  or  applying  warm  poultices  to  the 
eck.  As  soon  as  a  whitish  tumour  with  fluctuation  of 
matter  is  discovered,  it  should  be  opened  by  the  lancet, 
and  then  the  detergent  gargle  (see  Recipe  42)  should 
be  used.  If  in  consequence  of  the  largeness  of  the 
tumour  the  patient  cannot  swallow,  he  must  be  sup- 
ported by  nourishing  clysters  of  broth,  gruel  or  milk. 

If  persons  as  soon  as  they  discover  any  uneasiness 
in  the  throat,  were  to  use  nitre  as  already  recommended 
— bathe  their  feeth  in  warm  water — apply  flannels  mois- 
tened with  one  of  the  above  liniments,  and  keep  com- 
fortably warm,  this  disease  would  seldom  proceed  to  a 
great  height. 

Regimen.  With  respect  to  the  regimen.,  it  must  be 
of  the  cooling  kind,  except  the  application  of  cold. 
Barley  or  rice  water,  flaxseed  tea,  and  such  like,  ren- 
dered agreeable  to  the  palate  by  the  addition  of  jelly  or 
honey,  should  be  often  tak^n,  although  difficult  to  swal- 
low: for  the  pain  conseqi^ent  on  swallowing,  is  more 
owing  to  the  action  of  the  Inflamed  parts,  by  which  de- 
glutition is  performed,  than  by  the  passage  of  the  liquid 
which  is  swallowed. 

Prevention.  For  the  prevention  of  this  disease, 
the  directions  should  be  adverted  to,  which  have  been 
given  under  the  head  of  cold.  Where  it  becomes  habi- 
tual, an  issue  behind  the  neck,  does  often  succeed  in 
preventing  its  recurrence.* 

*  Well  knowing  how  deep  an  interest  the  world  always  takes 
in  great  mcn^  I  trust  it  will  not  prove  unacceptable  to  my  country- 
men, to  learn,  that  the  above  malady,  the  Quinsy^  was  the  mes- 
senger, whereby  God  was  pleased  to  introduce  into  his  own  pre- 


Putrid  Sore  Throat. 


307 


PUTRID  SORE  THROAT. 

This  is  a  contagious  disease,  and  appears  more  ge- 
nerally in  autumn,  after  a  hot  summer.  It  oftener  attacks 
children,  and  persons  of  relaxed  habits,  than  those  of 
vigorous  health. 

Symptoms.  It  generally  comes  on  with  a  sense  of 
giddiness;  such  as  precedes  fainting,  and  a  chilliness 
or  shivering  like  that  of  an  ague  fit.  This  is  soon  fol- 
lowed by  a  great  heat,  and  these  interchangeably  suc- 
ceed each  other  during  some  hours,  till  at  length  the 
heat  becomes  constant  and  intense.  The  patient  then 

sence,  the  soul  of  that  purest  of  human  beings,  George  Wash- 
ington. 

On  the  afternoon  of  the  13th  December,  1799,  riding  out  to  one 
of  his  farms,  he  was  caught  in  a  driving  rain,  which  soon  turning 
into  a  snow  storm,  deposited  a  considerable  quantity  of  snow  be- 
twixt his  cravat  and  neck.  Long  accustomed  to  brave  the  incle- 
mencies of  weather,  he  paid  no  regard  to  this  circumstance;  but 
having  brushed  off  the  snow  on  his  return,  he  supped  and  went  to 
bed  as  usual.  Some  time  before  day,  he  was  awakened  with  the 
sore  throat,  and  difficult  breathing,  which  constitute  quinsy.  A 
faithful  domestic,  who  always  carried  a  lancet,  was  called  up  and 
bled  him,  but  without  affording  any  relief.  About  day  break  my 
near  relative  and  honoured  fireceiitor^  Doctor  James  Craik,  of 
Alexandria,  the  inseparable  friend  and  fihysician  of  Washington, 
was  sent  for,  who  reached  Mount  Vernon  about  ten  o'clock. 
Alarmed  at  the  general's  symptoms,  he  communicated  his  fears 
to  Mrs.  Washington,  who  immediately  dispatched  servants  for 
Doctors  Dick  and  Brown.  Nothing  was  omitted  that  human  in- 
genuity and  skill  could  do  for  a  life  so  dear,  but  all  in  vain.  It  ap- 
peared in  the  result,  as  the  illustrious  «w^<?rer  previously  declared, 
that  his  hour  was  come. 

To  oblige  Mrs.  Washington,  he  continued  to  take  the  medi- 
cines that  were  offered  him,  till  the  inflammation  and  swelling  ob- 
structed the  power  of  swallowing;  when  he  undressed  himself  and 
went  to  bed,  as  he  said  "  to  die.'*  About  half  an  hour  before  he  died, 
he  desired  his  friends  to  leave  him,  that  he  might  spend  his  last 
moments  nvith  God.  Thus,  after  filling  up  life  with  glorious  toils,  he 
went  to  rest,     in  a  good  old  age,  ladcned  with  riches  and  honour.^^ 


Let  the  poor  witling  artjue  all  he  can, 
It  is  religion  still  that  mukcs  t)\fi  ma'v.'' 


308 


Putrid  Sore  Throat, 


complains  of  an  acute  pain  in  the  head,  of  heat  and 
soreness  in  the  throat,  stiffness  of  the  neck,  anxiety, 
and  nausea,  with  vomiting  and  delirium.  On  examining 
the  mouth  and  throat,  the  uvula  and  tonsils  appear 
swelled,  and  are  of  a  deep  red,  or  shining  crimson 
colour.  Soon  after,  they  are  covered  with  white  or  ash- 
coloured  spots,  which  in  a  short  time  become  ulcerated. 
This  appearance  of  the  fauces  seldom  affects  degluti- 
tion, or  gives  pain,  as  might  have  been  expected.  They 
are  general  attended  either  with  a  foetid  diarrhoea  or  acrid 
discharge  from  the  nose.  The  patient  often  complains  of 
an  offensive  putrid  smell  affecting  the  throat  and  nostrils, 
sometimes  occasioning  nausea,  before  any  ulcerations 
appear.  On  the  third  day,  or  thereabouts,  a  scarlet 
eruption  is  thrown  out  on  the  skin;  first  on  the  face 
and  neck,  and  then  over  the  whole  body  and  extre- 
mities. 

Causes.  The  same  which  give  rise  to  the  nervous 
or  putrid  fever,  as  bad  air,  damaged  provisions,  &c.  &c. 

Treatment.  The  indications  of  cure  are  similar  to 
those  of  the  nervous  or  malignant  fever,  as  it  is  analo- 
gous in  some  essential  circumstances  to  that  disease:  to 
which  we  must  add  the  healing  of  the  ulcers. 

Therefore,  on  the  first  attack  of  the  putrid  sore  throat, 
an  emetic  may  be  given,  which  may  be  repeated  on  the 
next  day,  and  followed  by  a  mild  cathartic.  Afterwards 
it  will  be  necessary  to  recruit  the  patient  with  bark  and 
wine,  or  milk  toddy. 

The  ulcers  in  the  throat,  demand  our  early  and  con- 
stant attention,  as  a  loss  of  substance  here  cannot  but 
threaten  much  danger  to  life,  or  injury  to  the  parts,  if 
the  patient  should  survive:  hence  the  use  of  gargles 
must  be  obvious  to  every  one.  When  the  disease  is  of 
a  mild  aspect,  the  common  and  astringe?it  gargles  (see 
Recipe  40  and  41)  frequently  used,  are  often  sufficient: 
but  when  the  symptoms  are  urgent,  the  tendency  to 
putrefaction  great,  the  sloughs  large,  and  the  breath 
offensive,  the  detergent  gargle,  (see  Recipe  42)  must 


Putrid  Sore  Throat, 


309 


immediately  be  resorted  to.  Independently  of  gargling 
the  throat,  it  is  essential  that  some  of  the  same  liquid 
be  injected  into  the  fauces,  with  a  small  syringe. 

In  young  subjects,  this  method  is  the  more  necessary, 
as  they  do  not  always  know  how  to  manage  a  gargle  to 
any  purpose,  did  the  soreness  of  the  parts  permit  them 
to  do  it. 

According  to  Dr.  Currie,  the  affusion  of  cold  water 
is  also  beneficial  in  this  disease.  It  was  his  practice  after 
a  copious  affusion,  to  have  his  patient  wiped  dry  and 
put  into  bed,  and  to  give  him  about  eight  ounces  of 
wine,  if  an  adult,  and  so  in  proportion  to  children, 
which  plan  it  appears  was  very  successful,  for  in  fifty 
out  of  sixty-two  cases,  where  he  had  adopted  it  at  the 
commencement  of  the  disease,  he  succeeded. 

Dr.  Thomas  states,  that  when  he  was  in  the  island 
of  Saint  Christophers,  in  the  year  1787,  this  disease 
prevailed  as  a  universal  epidemic  among  children,  and 
a  vast  number  of  them  fell  martyrs  to  it,  in  spite  of  the 
utmost  endeavours  of  the  profession  to  save  them;  when 
at  last  the  most  happy  effects  were  derived  from  the  use 
of  a  remedy,  the  basis  of  which  was  Cayenne  pepper. 
The  medicine  was  prepared  by  infusing  two  table- 
spoonfuls  of  this  pepper  and  a  tea-spoonful  of  salt  in 
half  a  pint  of  boiling  water,  adding  thereto  the  same 
quantity  of  warm  vinegar.  After  standing  for  about  an 
hour,  the  liquor  was  strained  through  a  fine  cloth,  and 
two  table-spoonfuls  were  given  every  half  hour. 

The  speedy  and  good  effects  produced  by  the  use  of 
this  medicine  in  every  case  in  which  it  was  tried,  evi- 
dently points  out  the  utility  of  given  warm  aromatics, 
which  will  bring  on  a  timely  separation  of  the  sloughs, 
as  well  as  other  antiseptics,  to  correct  the  tendency  in 
the  parts  to  gangrene.  Since  the  period  above  men- 
tioned, many  practitioners  bear  testimony  in  favour  of 
Cayenne  or  red  pepper  (see  Materia  Medico)  in  the 
putrid  sore  throat. 

The  grand  objects  to  be  kept  in  view  in  this  malig- 
nant disease,  should  be,  to  check  or  counteract  the  sep- 
tic tendency  which  prevails,  to  wash  off,  from  time  to 


310 


Putrid  Sore  Throat. 


time,  the  acrid  matter  from  the  fauces,  and  to  obviate 
debility.  Should  a  diarrhoea  arise  in  the  progress  of  the 
disease,  which  is  a  very  dangerous  symptom,  I  can  re- 
commend,  from  my  own  experience,  charcoal  (see  Re- 
cipe 5)  as  a  valuable  remedy,  in  doses  of  a  table-spoon- 
ful every  hour  or  two  to  adults,  in  a  cup  of  cinnamon 
or  ginger  tea.  It  is  sometimes  necessary  to  give  a  dose 
of  rhubarb,  conjoined  with  an  equal  quantity  of  powder- 
ed ginger,  or  some  aromatic,  with  a  tea-spoonful  of 
prepared  chalk,  and  to  make  use  of  the  oak  bath.  (See 
Materia  Medica.) 

Regimen.  Medicine  will  prove  of  little  efficacy,  if 
the  animal  powers  are  not  supported  by  proper  nour- 
ishment: the  attendants  must,  therefore,  constantly  sup- 
ply the  patient  with  arrow  root,  sago,  panado,  gruel,  &c. 
to  which  may  be  added  such  wine  as  is  most  agreeable 
to  the  palate. 

Ripe  fruits  are  peculiar  proper;  and  fermented  li- 
quors, as  cider,  perry,  &c.  should  constitute  the  chief 
part  of  the  patient's  drink.  But  previous  to  taking  any 
nourishment,  gargles  and  injections  should  be  very 
carefully  employed,  for  cleansing  away  the  sharp,  acrid 
humour  from  the  mouth  and  throat,  to  prevent  as  much 
as  possible  its  being  swallowed.  The  patient  should  be 
so  placed  in  his  bed,  that  the  discharge  may  freely  run 
out  at  the  corners  of  the  mouth;  and  great  attention 
should  also  be  paid  to  cleanliness. 

The  feelings  of  a  tender  parent,  who  views  the  pro- 
gress of  the  disease  on  a  beloved  child,  cannot  but  excite 
our  tenderest  sympathy.  Too  often,  from  an  ill-judged 
tenderness  to  the  child,  the  parent  will  not  suffer  this 
dreadful  disease  to  be  checked  by  medicines.  But  it 
should  be  remembered,  that  although  the  pain  is  for  a 
moment  increased  by  these  harsh,  but  necessary  means, 
yet  the  quantity  of  pain  must,  on  the  whole,  be  much 
lessened,  and  besides,  which  is  the  sweetest  considera- 
tion of  all,  a  precious  life  is  thereby  saved. 

Prevention.  The  same  means  as  devised  in  the 


Falling  of  the  Palate. — Mumps.  311 

nervous  fever,  to  correct  infectious  air,  must  strictly  be 
attended  to  here,  and  especially  with  a  view  to  prevent 
the  progress  of  this  disease. 

FALLING  OF  THE  PALATE. 

The  falling  down,  or  elongation  of  the  palate,  is  at- 
tended with  a  sense  of  tickling  in  the  fauces,  and  sore- 
ness at  the  root  of  the  tongue. 

If  fever  accompany  this  affection,  bleed  and  give 
cooling  purgatives,  using  nothing  but  a  vegetable  diet. 

Treatment.  Avoid  speaking,  and  gargle  the  throat 
with  the  astringent  gargle,  (see  Recipe  41)  or  apply  salt 
and  pepper  by  means  of  the  handle  of  a  spoon. 

MUMPS. 

A  CONTAGIOUS  disease,  affecting  the  glands  and 
muscles  of  the  neck  externally. 

Symptoms.  SHght  fever,  which  subsides  upon  the 
appearance  of  a  tumour  under  the  jaw,  near  its  extremi- 
ties; sometimes  only  on  one  side,  but  more  frequently 
on  both.  It  increases  till  the  fourth  day,  and  then  de- 
clines gradually. 

Treatment.  This  disorder  is  often  so  slight  as  to 
require  very  little  more  than  to  keep  the  head  and  neck 
warm,  with  spare  diet,  and  a  laxative  state  of  the  bowels. 
If,  however,  there  be  much  fever  and  pain  in  the  head, 
it  will  be  necessary,  in  addition  to  the  above,  to  bleed, 
blister  behind  the  neck,  and  take  freely  of  diluting 
drinks,  as  flaxseed  tea,  barley  or  rice  water. 

There  is  a  singular  peculiarity  now  and  then  attend- 
ing this  complaint;  for. sometimes  the  swelling  of  the 
neck  subsides,  the  testicles  of  the  male,  and  breasts  of 
the  female,  are  affected  with  hard  and  painful  tumours, 
and  frequently  when  one  or  other  of  these  tumours  has 
suddenly  been  repressed,  a  delirium  of  -the  milder  sort 


312 


Sore  Eyes, 


occurs.  In  this  event,  bleed  moderately,  apply  a  blister 
between  the  shoulders,  give  a  dose  of  calomel,  and  en- 
deavour to  reproduce  the  swelling  by  warm  fomenta- 
tions and  stimulating  remedies.  When  these  tumours 
are  painful,  every  precaution  should  be  used  to  prevent 
suppuration  from  ensuing,  by  bleeding,  carthartics, 
antimonial  powders,  (see  Recipe  1,)  diluent  drinks,  and 
by  cooling  and  discutient  applications,  as  cloths  wet 
with  lead  water  (see  Recipe  35)  and  cold  vinegar  and 
water. 

SORE  EYES. 

A  DISEASE  so  well  known,  as  to  render  all  descrip- 
tion of  it  unneccssarv. 

Causes.  External  violence  done  to  the  eyelids,  or 
to  the  eye  itself — extraneous  bodies  under  the  eyelids, 
as  particles  of  dust  and  sand — acrid  fluids  or  vapours 
— exposure  of  the  eyes  to  a  strong  light,  and  night 
watching,  especially  sewing,  reading  or  writing,  by 
candle  light. 

Inflammation  of  the  eyes  may  also  be  the  conse- 
quence of  bad  humours  in  the  system,  or  may  accom- 
pany other  diseases  of  the  eyes  and  of  the  neighbouring 
parts;  such  as  the  turning  inward  of  the  eyelids,  or 
styes  growing  on  them. 

Treatment.  When  the  disease  is  moderate,  and 
the  exciting  cause  no  longtr  exists,  the  cure  is  per- 
fectly easy,  requiring  little  more  than  external  applica- 
tions, such  as  washing  the  eyes  frequently  with  warm 
milk  and  water,  mixed  with  a  little  brandy,  or  using 
for  a  lotion,  mucilage  of  sassafras,  (see  Materia  Me- 
dicay)  simple  rose  water,  or  about  eight  grains  of  white 
vitriol  dissolved  in  a  gill  of  spring  water. 

But  in  more  severe  affections,  bleeding,  blistering 
behind  the  ears,  on  the  temples,  or  nape  of  the  neck, 
with  gentle  purgatives,  and  the  cooling  regimen,  wilt 
he  found  eminently  useful.  The  greatest  benefit  will 


Sore  Eyes. 


also  result  from  soft  linen  bandages  wet  with  cold  wa- 
ter,' applied  to  the  eyes,  and  frequently  renewed  until 
the  heat  and  inflammation  have  subsided.  Soon  as  this 
is  effected,  use  the  anodyne  eye -water,  (see  Recipe  34.) 
or  two  or  three  drops  of  laudanum  dropped  into  the  eye, 
or  bathe  the  eyes  in  cold  water,  or  brandy  and  water,  to 
restore  the  tone  of  the  parts. 

In  all  inflammations  of  the  eyes  from  common  causes, 
the  remedies  above  specified  will  generally  succeed; 
only  we  should  be  careful  not  to  use  any  of  the  more 
stimulant  applications,  till  the  inflammation  begins  to 
abate  of  its  violence,  otherwise  they  will  rather  increase 
than  subdue  the  malady. 

In  obstinate  cases,  there  is  no  remedy  so  eflfectual  as 
a  blister  plaster  immediately  over  the  eye.  For  this  very 
important  discovery,  I  am  indebted  to  the  adjunct  Pro- 
fessor of  Surgery,  Dr.  Dorsey,  whom,  on  his  own  po- 
lite invitation,  I  accompanied  to  the  hospital,  where  he 
showed  me  a  case  in  point.  A  man,  whose  inveterate 
ophthalmia,  after  obstinately  resisting  all  the  usual  appli- 
cations, was  completely  cured  by  a  single  blister  about 
an  inch  and  a  half  in  circumference,  employed  in  this 
novel  way. 

When  this  disease  is  occasioned  by  morbid  humours  * 
in  the  habit,  as  the  scrophulous  or  venereal,  we  must 
use  the  remedies  pointed  out  in  the  treatment  of  those 
complaints.  If  dirt  or  foreign  matter  be  lodged  in  the 
eye,  it  may  soon  be  removed  by  passing  a  small  hair 
pencil  between  the  eyelids,  and  the  ball  of  the  eye. 
The  defending  of  the  eyes  from  the  light  by  confine- 
1     ment  in  a  dark  room,  or  wearing  a  piece  of  green  silk 
I     over  them,  is  a  caution,  which,  though  too  obvious  to 
be  pointed  out,  is  too  important  to  be  omitted. 

Prevention.  To  persons  liable  to  this  complaint, 
the  following  instructions  may  be  useful.  When  the 
eyes  are  weak,  all  painful  and  fatiguing  exertions  of 
them  should  be  carefully  avoided,  such  as  looking  at 
the  sun,  sewing  or  reading  by  candle-light,  or  sitting  in 
a  smoky  room. 

2  R 


314 


Pleurisy* 


If  there  be  well-grounded  suspicion  that  the  inflam- 
mation of  the  eyes  originates  from  the  suppression  of 
any  of  the  customary  evacuations,  those  evacuations 
should,  as  soon  as  possible,  be  restored;  and  until  then, 
an  issue  or  blister  on  the  neck  should  be  kept  running, 
as  a  necessary  substitute. 

PLEURISY. 

Symptoms.  An  acute  pain  of  the  side,  which  reaches 
to  the  throat,  in  some  to  the  back,  and  others  to  the 
shoulders,  but  in  general,  is  seated  near  the  fleshy  part 
of  the  breast,  with  a  high  fever,  hard  and  quick  pulse, 
difliculty  of  breathing,  and  a  teasing  cough,  sometimes 
moist,  but  most  fiequently  dry.  The  seat  of  the  inflam- 
mation, and  consequently  of  the  pain,  may  vary  in  dif- 
ferent cases,  but  this  is  not  of  much  importance,  as  the 
same  mode  of  treatment  is  required  in  inflammations  of 
the  viscera  contained  in  the  cavity  of  the  chest,  as  the 
membrane  which  invests  them. 

Causes.  The  pleurisy,  like  other  inflammatory  dis- 
eases, proceeds  from  whatever  obstructs  the  perspira- 
tion; as  exposing  the  body  to  the  cold  air  when  over- 
heated. It  may  likewise  be  occasioned  by  whatever  in- 
creases the  circulation  of  the  blood,  as  violent  exercise, 
or  an  imprudent  use  of  ardent  spirits. 

Treatment.  In  the  cure  of  pleurisy,  or  inflamma- 
tion of  the  viscera,  our  success  depends  on  subduing 
the  violent  action  of  the  vessels,  by  bleeding,  blistering, 
and  employing  such  remedies  as  are  calculated  to  keep 
the  bowels  open,  and  to  determine  the  fluids  to  the  sur- 
face. 

Hence,  at  the  onset  of  this  disease,  a  large  bleeding 
is  always  necessary,  succeeded  by  a  dose  of  salts,  senna 
and  manna,  castor  oil,  or  some  cooling  purge,  and  so 
long  as  the  blood  exhibits  a  sizy  crust  on  its  surface 
when  cool,  and  the  violence  of  the  symptoms  continue, 
the  lancet  should  be  used  once  or  twice  a-day,  with  thi^ 


I 


Pleurisy.  315 

exception,  that  after  a  free  expectoration  has  commenc- 
ed, it  will  be  less  necessary. 

A  blister  over  the  pained  part,  after  the  pulse  has 
been  reduced  by  bleeding',  is  by  no  means  to  be  omit- 
ted; and  if  the  pain  is  obsthiate,  when  the  blister  on 
one  side  ceases  to  discharge  freely,  apply  another  on  the 
other  side.  When  blisters  cannot  immediately  be  ob- 
tained, warm  cabbage  leaves,  or  cloths  wrung  out  of  a 
hot  decoction  of  emollient  herbs,  or  a  bladder  nearly 
filled  with  warm  water,  applied  to  the  affected  side,  and 
repeated  as  often  as  it  becomes  cold,  will  sometimes 
afford  a  little  relief. 

During  this  treatment,  the  patient  should  take  freely 
of  warm  diluted  drinks,  as  flaxseed,  balm,  or  ground- 
ivy  teas,  barley  or  rice  water,  to  which  may  be  added  a 
little  of  the  juice  of  lemons. 

The  decoction  of  pleurisy  root,  or  seneka  or  rattle* 
snake  root,  (see  Materia  Medica,)  exhibited  in  doses  of 
one  or  two  table-spoonfuls  every  two  or  three  hours, 
abates  the  febrile  heat,  and  produces  expectoratit  n. 
The  antimonial  powders  or  mixture,  or  camphorated 
powders  (see  Recipe  1,  6  &  2.)  also  produce  these  be- 
neficial effects.  When  these  medicines  are  not  at  hand, 
portions  of  nitre  dissolved  in  the  patient's  common 
drink,  and  ipecacuanha  exhibited  in  such  doses  as  will 
keep  up  a  nausea  at  the  stomach,  without  vomiting,  will 
answer  every  purpose. 

Inhaling  the  steam  of  hot  water,  from  the  spout  of  a 
tea-pot,  or  applying  a  large  sponge  dipped  in  warm  vine- 
gar, to  the  mouth  and  nostrils,  will  be  beneficial.  Flax- 
seed syrup  {s^e  Materia  Medica,)  is  a  valuable  medicine 
in  this  complaint,  in  allaying  the  cough,  a  symptom  ex- 
cecdingly  distressing.  In  the  advanced  stage  of  the  dis- 
ease, when  the  inflammatory  symptoms  are  almost 
wholly  abated,  and  the  cough  proves  the  chief  cause  of 
pain  and  loss  of  sleep,  then  opiates  may  be  given  with 
the  greatest  advantage. 

It  should  be  observed  in  the  exhibition  of  opiates, 
that  if  they  are  administered  in  the  commencement  of 
inflammatory  disease,  before  the  necessary  evacuation^ 


3^16 


Pleurisy, 


are  made,  they  increase  the  inflammation,  and  conse- 
quently injure  the  patient;  but  if  given  near  the  close  of 
such  maladies  they  are  of  the  greatest  service,  and  com- 
plete the  cure.  When  perspiration  is  obstructed,  they 
should  be  coupled  with  some  emetic  drug,  as  in  the  form 
of  the  anodyne  sudorific  draught  or  bolus,  (see  Recipe 
18  and  20,)  but  when  this  is  not  the  case,  opium  or  lauda- 
num alone,  should  be  administered,  and  that  in  small 
doses,  when  the  patient  is  much  debilitated  from  previ- 
ous evacuations.  A  half  grain  of  opium,  or  fifteen  drops 
of  laudanum,  or  thirty  drops  of  paregoric,  given  about 
an  hour  before  the  evening  exacerbation,  alleviates  the 
symptoms,  and  if  repeated  for  a  few  evenings,  gradually 
increasing  the  dose,  ensures  the  cure. 

If  the  pulse  sinks  and  becomes  languid,  blister  the 
extremities,  and  give  six  or  eight  grains  of  volatile  salts 
every  three  hours  with  mulled  wine.  The  bowels,  in 
the  course  of  the  disease,  must  be  kept  moderately  open, 
by  emollient  injections  or  mild  laxatives,  as  castor  oil, 
or  the  cathartic  mixture,  (see  Recipe  11.) 

Regimen.  In  no  disease  is  a  strict  abstinence  more 
necessary  than  in  this;  since  in  proportion  to  the  nou- 
rishment taken,  will  be  the  increase  of  the  blood,  and 
consequently  of  fever.  Nothing  but  diluent  drinks,  as 
toast  and  water,  barley  water,  bran,  or  flaxseed  tea, 
ought  to  be  allowed,  until  the  violence  of  the  disease  is 
subdued;  and  these  liquids  should  be  taken  often,  but 
in  small  quantities  at  a  time,  and  never  cold.  When 
nourishment  is  required,  the  lighter  kinds  only  should 
be  used,  as  arrow  root,  sago,  panado,  &c.  After  reco- 
very, great  care  must  be  taken  to  prevent  a  relapse:  the 
sparest  diet  should  therefore  be  used;  the  inclemencies 
of  the  weather  carefully  guarded  against;  moderate  ex- 
ercise employed,  and  the  chest  protected  from  the  action 
of  cold,  by  wearing  flannel  next  to  the  skin.  In  this 
state  of  convalescency,  a  prudent  use  of  wine  with  bark 
or  columbo,  will  assist  digestion,  ancj.  give  tone  to  the 
system  generally. 


317 


PERIPNEUMONY,  OK  INFLAMMATION  OI 
THE  LUNGS. 

Symptoms.  Febrile  affections,  succeeded  by  diffi- 
culty of  breathing,  cough,  and  an  obtuse  pain  under 
the  breast  bone,  or  betwixt  the  shoulders,  increased  on 
inspiration.  A  sense  of  fulness  and  tightness  across  the 
chest — great  anxiety  about  the  heart,  restlessness,  loss 
of  appetite  and  sleep — the  pulse  quick,  sometimes  hard, 
and  seldom  strong,  or  regularly  full — the  breath  hot, 
the  tongue  covered  with  a  yellowish  mucus,  and  the 
urine  turbid.  From  the  obstruction  to  the  free  passage 
of  blood  throl]gh  the  lungs,  the  veins  of  the  neck  are 
distended,  the  face  swollen,  with  dark  red  colour  about 
the  eyes  and  cheeks.  The  pain  in  the  chest  is  generally 
aggravated  by  the  patient  lying  on  the  side  most  affect- 
ed, and  very  often  he  can  lie  only  on  his  back. 

Causes.  Cold,  obstructing  perspiration,  and  thus 
producing  a  morbid  determination  to  the  lungs,  or  vio- 
lent efforts  by  over-distention. 

Treatment.  Such  is  the  delicate  structure  of  the 
lungs,  that  they  will  not  sustain  inflammatory  attacks 
many  hours,  before  their  important  functions  are  de- 
stroyed, or  so  much  mischief  produced,  as  to  lay  the 
foundation  of  consumption. 

The  antiphlogistic  plan,  therefore,  as  advised  in  the 
pleurisy,  for  the  resolution  of  the  disease,  the  only  salu- 
tary termination,  should  be  put  into  immediate  opera- 
tion; and  not  by  degrees,  as  is  often  the  case,  by  which 
many  lives  are  lost;  but  should  be  carried  to  the  ut- 
most extent,  particularly  the  taking  away  of  blood  in 
considerable  quantities  from  the  arm,  without  attention 
to  the  state  of  the  pulse,  if  the  respiration  is  not  re- 
lieved. 


318 


EPIDEMIC. 

The  attention  of  the  medical  gentlemen  of  our  coun- 
try,  was  drawn  to  a  disease,  which,  during  the  three 
last  winters,  pervaded  every  state  in  the  Union,  and  in 
most  of  them,  according  to  the  statements  of  the  physi- 
cians, assumed  every  variety  of  shape,  and  required  no 
little  diversity  of  treatment.  In  some  places  the  lancet 
was  used  freely,  and  in  others,  remedies  highly  stimu- 
lant were  administered,  in  spite,  however,  of  the  very 
different  practice  pursued,  the  disease  continued  its  ra- 
vages, which  in  many  places  resembled  those  of  the 
plague,  sweeping  whole  famiUes  into  the  grave. 

Extreme  debility  appears  to  have  been  the  character- 
istic feature  of  the  disease;  for  all  accounts  agree,  that 
in  whatever  form  it  commenced,  there  ensued  a  great, 
and  sometimes  a  very  sudden  prostration  of  strength. 

This  alarming  pestilence  did  not  appear  in  the  city  of 
Washington,  until  the  winter  of  the  year  1815,  and  even 
then  not  so  destructively  as  in  many  other  places.  Most 
of  the  cases  which  I  saw,  resembled  very  much  the 
bilious  pleurisy  of  our  country.  They  commenced  with 
chill  and  fever,  accompanied  by  pain  in  the  side  and 
chest,  with  a  dry  skin  and  rather  laborious  respiration. 
But  the  cough  was  by  no  means  so  frequent  and  dis- 
tressing, as  in  pleurisy  or  peripneumony.  The  eyes 
were  wild  and  red,  and  the  countenance  uniformly  in- 
dicated great  anxiety  and  distress.  In  some  instances, 
the  throat  and  head  were  very  much  affected.  The 
pulse  was  full,  though  soft  and  readily  compressible; 
indeed  it  sometimes  indicated  so  much  action,  that  a 
practitioner  not  conversant  with  its  peculiarity  of  type, 
would  be  very  apt  to  treat  the  complaint  as  an  inflam- 
matory affection.  This  counterfeit  character,  however, 
did  not  continue  long;  for  in  a  very  short  period  it  as- 
sumed the  typhoid  form. 

Of  the  causes  of  the  disease,  little  has  been  ascertain- 
ed. In  common  with  other  epidemics,  its  origin  is  in- 
volved in  obscurity.  As  yet,  we  know  only  that  it  com- 


Epidemic »  319 

niences  in  cold  weather,  and  is  generally  dissipated  by 
the  warmth  of  spring. 

In  the  treatment  of  those  cases  which  came  under  my 
care,  I  generally  commenced  with  an  emetic,  and  if  this 
had  no  effect  on  the  bowels,  it  was  followed  by  a  dose 
of  salts,  or  an  infusion  of  salts,  senna  and  manna.  Dur- 
ing the  operation  of  the  cathartic,  I  sometimes  found  it 
necessary  to  support  the  patient,  by  having  wine  added 
to  the  gruel  with  which  the  medicine  was  to  be  work- 
ed off. 

As  the  cure  of  this  formidable  disease  depended 
principally  on  exciting  perspiration,  I  lost  no  time  after 
the  operation  of  the  medicine,  in  having  sudorifics  ad- 
ministered; and  of  this  class  I  found  nothing  superior 
to  the  Seneka  and  Virginia  snake- root.  (See  Materia 
Medica.)  In  the  incipient  stage  of  the  disease  I  directed 
a  strong  decoction  of  the  former  to  be  taken  in  doses  of 
a  tea-cupful  every  hour  or  two,  and  as  the  disease  ad- 
vanced, or  the  pulse  began  to  sink,  the  latter  was  ad- 
ministered in  the  same  manner.  In  addition  to  this, 
mulled  wine  or  cider  highly  spiced,  or  hot  toddy,  was 
given  very  freely  in  those  cases  which  indicated  great 
prostration  of  power.  It  was  also  my  uniform  practice 
to  have  a  blister  applied  as  speedily  as  possible  on  the 
breast  or  side,  over  the  pained  part.  If  the  head  was 
most  affected,  the  blister  was  put  between  the  shoul- 
ders; and  when  the  throat  was  complained  of,  a  cata- 
plasm of  mustard  or  garlic  (see  Materia  Medica)  was 
applied  around  the  neck.  Flannels  wrung  out  of  hot 
spirits,  in  which  mustard- seed  or  red  pepper  had  been 
steeped,  were  constantly  applied  to  the  extremities,  and 
assisted  greatly  in  producing  the  desired  eflect. 

As  the  disease  advanced,  bark  conjoined  with  Vir- 
ginia snake-root  proved  a  useful  auxiliary  in  facilitating 
the  cure. 

Dr.  Cutbush  pursued  a  very  similar  plan  in  the 
treatment  of  his  patients,  and  the  fortunate  result  was 
the  same. 

Many  other  practitioners  bear  testimony  in  favour  of 
this  mfode  of  practice.  The  ingenious  and  learned  pro- 


320 


Infiammatton  of  the  Livef\ 


fessor  Chapman,  in  his  very  interesting  lecture  on  this 
epidemic,  which  I  had  the  pleasure  of  hearing,  stated, 
that  in  no  instance  did  any  patient  die  under  his  care, 
after  perspiration  was  induced.  It  was  his  practice  also, 
to  combine  with  the  diaphoretics,  the  most  cordial  sti- 
mulants; and  of  this  class  of  remedies,  he  spoke  highly 
of  volatile  alkali,  in  frequent  and  large  doses. 

As  malignant  as  this  disease  was,  it  appeared  to  pay 
some  respect  to  persons.  For  the  rich,  or  rather  those 
who  lived  generously,  were  seldom  attacked  with  it; 
while  the  poor,  and  the  intemperate,  in  those  places 
where  its  ravages  were  most  destructive,  hardly  ever 
escaped.  # 

INFLAMMATION  OF  THE  LIVER 

Is  of  two  kinds,  the  acute  and  chronic,  and  conse- 
quently requires  variation  in  the  mode  of  treatment. 

Symptoms.  The  acute  is  marked  by  a  pungent  pain 
of  the  right  side,  rising  to  the  top  of  the  shoulder,  some- 
thing like  that  of  the  pleurisy;  attended  with  consider- 
able fever,  difficulty  of  breathing,  dry  cough,  and  often 
bilious  vomiting. 

Causes.  Violent  and  repeated  shocks  from  vomits — 
sudden  changes  in  the  weather,  but  especially  cold 
nights  after  very  hot  days — sitting  in  a  stream  of  air 
when  overheated — drinking  strong  spirituous  liquors, 
and  using  hot  spicy  aliment. 

Treatment.  In  this,  as  in  all  other  cases  of  visceral 
inflammation,  the  same  means  to  take  off  inflammation, 
as  advised  in  the  pleurisy,  should  be  carefully  observed. 
And  as  it  is  an  ol3ject  of  the  first  importance  to  prevent 
the  formation  of  matter,  we  should  adopt  these  means 
as  early  as  possible  to  produce  resolution,  the  only  sa- 
lutary termination.  Scarcely  any  complaint  requires 
such  prompt  and  copious  blood-letting,  as  acute  inflam- 
ipation  of  the  liver.  After  the  acute  stage  is  over,  we 


Infiammatmn  of  the  Liver • 


321 


may  consider  the  affection  of  a  chronic  nature,  and  the 
mode  of  treatment  must  be  regulated  accordingly. 

The  chronic  inflammation  of  the  liver,  is  usually  ac- 
companied with  a  morbid  complexion.  The  symptoms 
arc  sometimes  very  obscure,  and  confined  rather  to  the 
common  marks  of  stomach  complaints,  as  flatulence  and 
frequent  eructations.  The  appetite  in  consequence  fails, 
and  occasional  uneasiness  or  pain  is  felt  in  the  region  of 
the  liver  extending  to  the  right  shoulder,  the  charac- 
teristic of  the  disease.  An  obscure  fever  prevails, 
which  is  generally  worse  at  night,  inducing  languor, 
want  of  sleep,  and  much  oppression.  The  patient  has 
generally  clay -coloured  stools,  and  high-coloured  urine, 
depositing  a  red  sediment,  and  ropy  mucus.  In  the 
progress  of  the  malady,  the  countenance  seems  livid  and 
sunk,  and  the  eyes  of  a  dull  white  or  yellowish  hue. 
Under  these  symptoms  the  body  becomes  gradually 
emaciated;  while  in  the  region  of  the  liver  is  felt  a  sense 
of  fulness,  with  a  slight  swelling  and  difficult  breathing, 
attended  with  a  hoarse,  dry  cough,  which  is  particularly 
aggravated  when  the  patient  lies  on  the  left  side. 

As  the  disease  advances,  dropsical  symptoms  accom- 
panied with  jaundice  supervene;  and  under  these  com- 
plicated maladies  the  sufferer  sinks.  Sometimes  an  ab- 
scess opens  externally,  which,  if  it  does  not  eflfect  a 
cure,  at  least  prolongs  the  life  of  the  patient. 

Treatment.  In  this  species  of  the  disease,  the  sti- 
mulant purgative  pills  (see  Recipe  21,)  may  be  employ- 
ed with  advantage. 

The  cure,  however,  depends  principally  upon  mer- 
cury, or  the  nitric  acid  exhibited  in  small  doses.  The 
mercury  may  be  introduced  in  the  system,  either  by 
taking  one  or  two  of  the  mercurial  pills  (see  Recipe  25,) 
night  and  morning,  or  by  rubbing  as  frequently  on  the 
part  affected,  the  ointment  about  the  size  of  a  nutmeg; 
continuing  the  one  or  the  other,  until  a  ptyalism  is  pro- 
duced, or  the  disease  is  subdued. 

During  this  course,  the  use  of  the  tonic  powders,  or 
pills  (sec  Recipe  4  and  23,)  or  bark  and  snakeroot,  when 

2  S 


322 


Injiammation  of  the  Liver, 


febrile  symptoms  have  abated,  will  greatly  hasten  the 
cure. 

The  nitric  acid,  with  patients  who  are  scorbutic,  or 
much  debilitated,  is  far  preferable  to  the  calomel,  on 
account  of  its  antiscorbutic  and  tonic  powers.  It  should 
be  given  to  the  extent  of  one  or  two  drachms  daily,  di- 
luted with  water,  in  the  proportion  of  one  drachm  of  the 
acid  to  a  quart  of  water.  At  first,  it  ought  to  be  given 
in  small  doses,  and  frequently  repeated,  and  the  dose 
gradually  increased  as  circumstances  require.  This  me- 
dicine, like  calomel,  must  be  continued  until  the  mouth 
becomes  affected,  the  salivary  glands  enlarged,  and  their 
secretion  increased;  and  when  this  takes  place,  the  dis- 
agreeable symptoms  will  be  removed,  and  the  patient, 
from  being  debilitated,  becomes  healthy,  vigorous,  and 
cheerful. 

My  own  experience  of  the  efficacy  of  the  nitric  acid 
in  chronic  afffctions  of  the  liver,  induces  me  to  speak 
well  of  it;  and  I  am  happy  to  add,  it  is  a  favourite  re- 
medy of  that  celebrated  anatomist,  and  distinguished 
physician,  professor  Wistar,  in  this  distressing  disease, 
particularly  when  there  is  an  enlargement  of  the  liver. 

Obstructions  and  indurations  of  the  spleen,  bear  some 
resemblance  to  a  diseased  liver,  and  are  very  prevalent 
in  low,  marshy,  and  aguish  situations.  Their  treatment 
consists  in  the  use  of  the  same  means  recommended 
for  the  cure  of  this  disease. 

Regimen.  The  food  should  be  easy  of  digestion, 
such  as  veal,  lamb,  fowls,  or  fresh  beef.  Watercresses, 
garlic,  and  other  pungent  vegetables,  are  useful.  A 
change  of  climate,  and  moderate  exercise  in  the  open 
air  of  the  country,  is  both  agreeable  to  the  patient,  and 
very  salutary. 

INFLAMMATION  OF  THE  STOMACH.  || 

Symptoms.  Acute  pain  in  the  stomach,  always  in- 
creased  upon  swallowing,  even  the  mildest  drinks.  In- 
expressible anxiety,  great  internal  heat,  something  like 


Injiammat  'ion  of  the  Stomach* 


32i 


heart-burn,  constant  retching  to  vomit — and,  as  the  dis- 
ease advances,  the  pulse  becomes  quick  and  intermit- 
ting— frequent  hiccups,  coldness  of  the  extremities,  and 
the  patient  is  soon  cut  off. 

Causes.  Acrid  or  hard  and  indigestible  substances, 
strong  emetics,  or  corrosive  poisons  taken  into  the  sto- 
mach, or. drinking  extreme  cold  liquors  while  the  body 
is  in  a  heated  state.  It  may  also  be  occasioned  by  ex- 
ternal injury. 

Treatment.  Unless  the  inflammation  can  be  re- 
solved m  the  ver^  beginning,  it  rapidly  terminates  in  a 
mortification. 

Therefore,  a  violent  pain  in  the  region  of  the  sto- 
mach, with  sickness  and  fever,  should  always  be  very 
seriously  attended  to.  Copious  and  repeated  bleedings, 
not  regarding  the  smallness  of  the  pulse,  are  absolutely 
necessary,  and  is  almost  the  only  thing  that  can  be  de- 
pended on.  In  no  inflammation  is  the  immediate  use  of 
the  warm  bath  so  necessary  as  in  this,  which  attacks  at 
once  the  throne'''^  of  life.  If  a  better  bathing  vessel  can- 
not be  had,  a  barrel  or  half  hogshead  filled  with  warm 
water,  about  blood  heat,  will  do.  Let  the  patient  be  in- 
stantly put  in  it,  covering  the  top  with  a  blanket.  Keep 
him  in  as  long  as  he  can  bear  it;  and  when  taken  out, 
and  wiped  dry  with  warm  cloths,  he  should  immediately 
have  a  large  blister  over  the  stomach.  The  application 
of  cups  on  the  region  of  the  stomach,  is  highl}  useful. 
The  bowels  must  be  kept  open  by  the  mildest  glysters, 
as  water  gruel,  or  weak  broth,  with  the  addition  of  a 
little  salt-petre,  and  sweet  oil  or  sugar.  These  injec- 
tions answer  the  purpose  of  internal  fomentations,  and 
also  nourish  the  patient,  who  is  often  unable  to  retain 
any  food,  or  even  drink,  upon  his  stomach. 

Regimen.  When  the  stomach  will  admit  of  nou- 
rishment, only  that  of  the  lightest  kind  should  be  al- 
lowed; barley  water,  and  mucilage  of  gum  arabic  mo- 
derately warm,  are  the  most  suitable  drmks.  Every 


324 


Inflammation  of  the  Intestines, 


thing  of  a  heating  and  irritating  nature  must  be  care- 
fully avoided  for  some  time  after  the  attack. 

INFLAMMATION  OF  THE  INTESTINES. 

Symptoms.  Tension  of  the  belly — obstinate  costive- 
ness — great  internal  pain,  external  soreness,  especially 
about  the  navel,  and  so  severe  as  scarcely  to  bear  the 
slightest  touch — great  debility — hard,  small,  and  quick 
pulse. 

Causes.  The  same  generally,  that  induce  the  pre- 
ceding disease.  It  may  also  be  the  sequel  of  other  dis- 
eases, as  rupture,  colic,  dysentery,  worms,  &c. 

Treatment.  Whatever  may  be  the  cause,  we 
must  endeavour  to  bring  about,  as  quick  as  possible, 
resolution,  lest  mortification  be  the  consequence.  The 
treatment  of  inflammation  of  the  stomach  will  also  be 
proper  here,  as  copious  bleedings,  emollient  glystcrs 
frequently  repeated,  the  warm  biith,  and  immediately 
afterwards  a  blister  on  the  belly.  Cupping  on  the  belly 
is  also  useful. 

Such  is  the  nature  of  this  complaint,  that  we  cannot 
be  too  cautious  in  the  administration  of  medicines  or 
diluents  by  the  mouth.  But  the  frequent  use  of  emol- 
lient injections  will  in  great  measure  supersede  their 
necessity,  and  at  the  same  time  act  as  fomentations  to 
the  parts.  Fresh  olive-oil,  in  the  dose  of  a  table-spoon- 
ful, is  perhaps  the  only  medicine  that  can  be  admitted 
with  safety.  When  the  violence  of  the  disease  shall 
have  considerably  abated,  we  may  venture  to  give  some 
aperient  medicine  by  the  mouth,  as  castor  oil,  not  ran- 
cid, calomel,  or  cathartic  mixture.  (See  Recipe  11.) 
In  this  stage  of  the  disease  laudanum  may  be  employ- 
ed with  great  advantage,  particularly  by  way  of  injec- 
tion. 

When  the  disease  is  combined  with  spasmodic  colic, 
the  application  of  cold  to  the  abdomen,  either  by  means 
of  pounded  ice,  cloths  wetted  with  very  cold  water,  or 


Injiammation  of  the  Kidneys, 


325 


cold  water  dashed  from  a  pail  immediately  over  the 
belly,  has  sometimes  succeeded  when  all  other  means 
liave  failed  in  removing  the  obstruction.  The  advan- 
tages derived  from  the  affusion  of  cold  water,  are 
owing  to  its  producing  an  increased  action  of  the  in- 
testines, in  consequence  of  sympathy  with  the  external 
parts. 

Regimen.  After  the  disease  is  subdued,  the  diet 
should  be,  for  some  time,  of  the  lightest  kind,  and  not 
flatulent.  The  patient  must  be  kept  quiet,  avoiding 
cold,  severe  exercise,  and  all  irritating  causes. 

INFLAiMMATION  OF  THE  KIDNEYS. 

Acute  pain  and  heat  in  the  small  of  the  back — great 
numbness  along  the  thigh,  and  not  nnfrequently  a  re- 
traction of  one  of  the  testicles — retching  to  vomit — 
voiding  the  urine  in  small  quantities,  sometimes  very 
pale,  and  other  times  of  high  red  colour,  attended  with 
febrile  affections.  The  patient  generally  feels  great  un- 
easiness when  he  endeavours  to  walk  or  sit  upright, 
and  lies  with  most  ease  on  the  affected  side. 

Causes.  Excessive  exertions,  external  injuries,  vio- 
lent strains,  exposure  to  cold  w^hen  healed,  and  calcu- 
lous concretion  in  the  kidneys. 

Treatment.  Bleed  copiously,  keep  the  bowels  open 
with  castor  oil  and  emollient  glysters,  use* the  warm 
bath,  or  foment  the  part  with  a  hot  decoction  of  camo- 
mile or  bitter  herbs,  or  hot  water  alone;  give  mucilagi- 
nous and  diluting  liquors,  as  flaxseed  tea,  barley  water, 
and  thin  gruel,  with  the  camphorated  powders  (see  Re- 
cipe 2,)  or  small  portions  of  nitre.  A  decoction  of  peach 
leaves  (see  Materia  Medico)  is  also  beneficial  in  this 
complaint.  Flannel  whetted  with  spirits,  with  the  addi- 
tion of  a  little  spirits  of  hartshorn,  may  be  applied  to 
the  small  of  the  back,  for  the  purpose  of  exciting  some 
degree  of  inflammation  of  the  external  parts.  After  the 


326  Inflammation  of  the  Bladder, 

inflammation  has  somewhat  abated,  the  exhibition  o 
laudanum  in  its  usual  quantities,  either  by  mouth  or 
glysters,  will  add  considerably  to  the  cure.  This  disease 
is  often  removed  by  a  moderate  ptyalism. 

If  the  disease  has  been  treated  improperly,  or  ne- 
glected at  the  onset,  and  a  suppuration  takes  place, 
which  is  known  by  a  discharge  of  matter  with  the  urine, 
use  uva  ursi,  (see  Materia  Medica)  or  balsam  capiva, 
twice  or  thrice  a-day,  for  a  week  or  two,  and  afterwards 
take  bark  or  steel. 

Regimen.  The  diet  should  consist  of  the  most  mu- 
cilaginous substances,  as  arrow  root,  sago,  milk,  but- 
termilk, custards,  flaxseed  tea,  barley  or  rice  water,  8?:c. 
In  the  convalescent  state,  moderate  exercise  in  the  open 
air  is  of  great  service. 

INFLAMMATION  OF  THE  BLADDER. 

Symptoms.  Acute  pain  at  the  bottom  of  the  belly, 
which  is  much  increased  by  pressure— -a  frequent  de- 
sire and  dilFiculty  in  making  water,  and  frequent  efforts 
to  go  to  stool,  attended  with  febrile  aftections. 

Causes.  Calculous  concretions,  suppression  of  urine, 
from  obstruction  in  the  urethra,  Spanish  flies  taken  in- 
ternally, or  applied  to  the  skin,  wounds,  bruises,  &c. 

Treatjvient.  It  must  be  treated  consistendy  with 
the  plan  laid  down  in  the  preceding  disease,  excepting 
that  wtiere  there  is  an  entire  retention  of  urine,  the 
patient  should  drink  no  more  than  is  absolutely  ne- 
cessary. The  urine  must  then  be  drawn  off  by  a  ca- 
theter. 

The  lovers  of  wine  and  cider  should  remember  that 
those  beverages,  however  pleasant  and  exhilarating, 
have  a  tendency  to  aggravate  all  diseases  of  the  kidneys 
and  bladder,  especially  when  they  originate  from  an 
acrid  state  of  the  fluids. 


Headach . — Earach. 


327 


■I 

HEADACH. 

If  a  foul  stomacli  be  the  cause,  give  an  emetic,  after 
which  take  cokimbo  three  times  a-day.  If  from  a  ple- 
thoric habit,  which  is  known  *by  a  heaviness  of  the 
head,  and  flushed  face,  bleed  and  give  opening  medi- 
cines. If  from  rheumatism,  apply  a  blister  to  the  back 
part  of  the  neck,  or  between  the  shoulders,  and  at  bed 
time  bathe  the  feet  in  warm  water,  and  take  the  ano- 
dyne sudorific  draught.  (See  Recipe  18).  If  from  a 
weak  habit,  and  where  the  pain  returns  at  stated  pe- 
riods, as  in  cases  of  intermittents,  and  confined  on  one 
side  of  the  head,  as  over  an  eye,  the  cure  will  generally 
depend  upon  the  free  use  of  bark  and  snake-root,  or  the 
solution  of  arsenic  (see  Recipe  22)  twice  or  thrice  a-diiy, 
which  seldom  fails,  especially  if  preceded  by  a  brisk 
purge.  In  this  as  well  as  other  periodical  pains,  laudanum 
exhibited  in  a  pretty  large  dose  an  hour  or  two  before 
the  expected  fit,  will  often  prevent  its  coming  on. 
iEther  externally  applied  over  the  pain  on  a  piece  of 
linen,  with  a  warm  hand  to  confine  it,  will  afford  im- 
mediate relief  in  headachs  attended  with  cold  skin, 
Cayenne  pepper  mixed  with  snuff,  by  irritating  the 
membranes  of  the  nostrils,  has  also  given  much  relief 
in  cold  or  nervous  headachs. 

•  It  is  not  unfrcquent  that  the  partial  or  nervous  head- 
ach, as  it  is  termed,  is  produced  from  a  decayed  tooth, 
which,  on  discovery,  should  instantly  be  extracted. 

Those  who  are  subject  to  this  complaint,  should 
bathe  their  head  every  morning  in  cold  water;  avoid 
full  meals;  lie  with  their  head  high  in  bed;  and  always 
keep  their  feet  warm,  and  the  bowels  in  a  regular  state. 

EARACH. 

pREq^uENTLY  produccd  from  living  insects  getting 
into  the  ear.  The  most  effectual  way  to  destroy  them  is 
to  blow  in  the  smoke  of  tobacco,  or  pour  in  warm  sweet 
oil.  If  occasioned  by  cold,  inject  warm  milk  and  water 


328 


Deafness, 


in  the  ear,  or  drop  in  a  little  laudanum  or  ^  olatile  lini-^ii 
nient.  If  this  produce  not  the  desired  effect,  foment  the^i 
ear  with  steams  of  warm  water,  and  apply  a  bag  of 
camomile  flowers,  infused  in  boiling  water  and  laid  on 
often,  as  warm  as  can  be  borne. 

When  the  inflammation  cannot  be  discussed,  a  poul- 
tice of  bread  and  milk  or  roasted  onions  may  be  ap- 
plied to  the  ear,  and  frequently  renewed  till  the  abscess 
breaks;  after  which,  it  must  be  syringed  twice  or  thrice 
a-day,  with  castile  soap  and  water.  In  this  complaint, 
a  blister  behind  the  ear  is  highly  useful. 


DEAFNESS. 

Is  occasioned  by  any  thing  that  proves  injurious  to 
the  ear,  as  loud  noise  from  the  firing  of  cannon,  violent 
colds,  inflammation  or  ulceration  of  the  membrane, 
hard  wax,  or  by  a  debility  or  paralysis  of  the  auditory 
nerves.  It  also  frequently  ensues  in  consequence  of  long 
protracted  fever. 

Treatment.  It  is  difficult  to  remove  deafness;  but 
when  it  is  owing  to  a  debility  of  some  part  of  the  organ, 
or  arises  in  consequence  of  any  nervous  affection,  sti- 
mulants dropped  into  the  car,  often  prove  salutary. 

TEther  dropped  into  the  ear,  seems  to  possess  a  two- 
fold effect;  one,  of  dissolving  the  indurated  wax;  and 
the  other,  of  stimulating  the  torpid  organ;  but  it  is  lia- 
ble to  excite  some  degree  of  pain,  unless  it  be  freed 
from  the  sulphuric  acid.  No  prescription  for  deafness 
from  indurated  wax  ever  acted  more  surprisingly— 
none,  I  am  sure,  more  agreeably  to  my  feelings  at  least, 
than  the  following. 

In  consequence  of  a  violent  attack  of  bilious  fever, 
which  degenerated  into  the  nervous,  my  honourable 
friend.  Col.  George  M.  Troup,  of  Georgia,  was  af- 
flicted with  a  deafness  for  a  year  or  two,  so  entire,  that, 
in  congress,  when  the  members  were  on  the  floor,  he 
was  obliged  to  place  himself  close  to  the  orator,  and 
even  then  frequently  failed  of  the  pleasure  and  profit 


Toothach, 


329 


of  hearing  his  reasonings.  Suspecting  indurated  wax  to 
be  the  cause  of  his  deafness,  I  directed  the  cavities  of 
both  ears  to  be  well  syringed  with  warm  and  strong 
suds  of  Castile  soap.  "J'his  was  done  twice  a-day,  the 
ears  constantly  filled  in  the  interim  with  pellets  of  wool 
dipt  in  strong  camphorated  liniment,  and  sometimes 
plugs  of  camphor.  In  a  few  weeks,  the  nerves  of  hear- 
ing recovered  their  sensibility,  and  as  the  colonel  him- 
self thought,  more  acutely  if  possible,  than  before. 

Finely  powdered  table  salt  dropt  into  the  ear  is  some- 
times highly  useful  in  this  complaint. 

TOOTHACH. 

Is  best  removed  by  extracting  the  tooth;  when  this 
cannot  be  effected,  fill  the  cavity  with  a  little  cotton  or 
lint  dipped  in  Turlington's  balsam,  or  laudanum,  or 
any  of  the  essential  oils,  or  with  pills  of  camphor  and 
opium. 

This  unpitied,  though  often  excruciating  pain  is,  in 
most  cases,  no  more  than  the  just  punishment  of  our 
neglect  of  the  teeth;  surely  then  we  ought  to  take  some 
care  of  them,  though  it  were  but  for  the  pleasure  of 
having  them  sound.  But  this  care  would  be  redoubled 
were  we  but  daily  to  consider  the  advantage  of  good 
and  clean  teeth  and  sweet  breath.  Some  women  indeed 
are  blessed  with  faces  so  nearly  angelic,  that  not  the 
blackest  teeth  can  entirely  defeat  their  charms,  nor  the 
vilest  breath  drive  away  their  lovers.  But  how  different 
would  be  effect  of  both,  if,  through  their  ruby  lips, 
opened  with  a  smile,  we  v/ere  to  see  teeth  of  ivory, 
white  as  snow,  pure  as  the  fair  owners''  frame ^  and  ac- 
companied with  breath  as  sweet  as  that  of  infancy. 

Prevention.  To  prevent  the  toothach,  and  to  pre- 
serve  the  teeth  and  breath  perfectly  sound  and  sweet, 
the  tooth-brush  dipped  in  warm  water,  and  then  in 
charcoal  tooth-powder,  (see  Recipe  5)  should  be  used 
constantly  every  morning.  The  charcoal  powder,  an  in- 
vention of  the  celebrated  Darwin,  is  good  for  whitening 

2  T 


330 


Rheumatism. 


the  teeth,  and  admirable  in  correcting  bad  breath.  The 
looth-pick  and  tumbler  of  pure  water  should  never  be 
forgotten  after  every  meal. 

If  the  calcareous  crust  or  tartar  upon  the  teeth  adheres 
firmly,  a  fine  powder  of  pumice  stone  may  be  used  oc- 
casionally. When  the  gums  are  spongy,  they  should  be 
frequently  pricked  with  a  lancet,  and  gendy  rubbed 
with  a  powder  composed  of  equal  pans  of  Peruvian 
bark  and  charcoal. 

Young  persons  who  wish  to  carry  fine  teeth  with 
them  through  life,  must  take  care  never  to  sip  their  tea 
scalding  hot,  nor  to  drink  water  freezing  cold.  Such 
extremes  not  only  injure  the  tender  coats  of  the  sto- 
mach, but  often  ruin  the  teeth,  and  have  caused  many 
imprudent  persons  to  pass  a  sleepness  night,  distracted 
with  pains  of  the  teeth  and  jaws. 

RHEUMATISxM. 

Symptoms.  Wandering  pains  in  the  larger  joints, 
and  in  the  course  of  the  muscles  connected  with  them, 
increased  on  motion,  and  generally  worse  towards  night. 
When  with  fever,  it  is  called  acute  or  inflammatory 
rheumatism,  and  chronic  without. 

Causes.  Sudden  changes  of  weather — application 
of  cold  to  the  body  when  overheated,  wearing  of  wet 
clothes. 

Treatment.  In  the  inflammatory  rheumatism,  large 
and  repeated  bleedings  are  necessary,  as  indicated  by 
the  fulness  of  the  pulse,  especially  on  the  first  days, 
and  when  there  is  much  pain.  With  this  should  be 
combined  a  free  use  of  diluent  drinks,  as  flaxseed  or 
balm  tea,  barley  or  rice  water,  with  a  little  nitre  dis- 
solved in  each  draught,  or  the  antimonial  mixture  (see 
Recipe  6)  in  small  doses,  to  excite  slight  perspiration, 
which  should  be  kept  up  with  great  care;  as  in  this  re- 
laxed state  of  the  skin,  the  disease  is  liable  to  recur 
upon  the  least  application  of  cold. 


Rheumatism, 


331 


Bleeding  and  blistering  over  the  part  affected,  when 
the  pain  and  inflammation  continue  violent,  have  also 
their  good  effects. 

After  the  inflammatory  symptoms  have  in  a  great 
measure  subsided,  the  anodyne  sudorific  draught  or 
bolus,  (see  Recipe  18  and  20)  or  laudanum  alone  may 
be  administered  at  bed  time,  with  great  advantage. 

During  this  general  treatment,  attention  must  be  paid 
to  the  state  of  the  bowels,  which  should  be  kept  open 
by  emollient  glysters  or  cooling  medicines,  as  the 
cathartic  mixture,  (see  Recipe  11)  or  castor  oil,  exhi- 
bited in  small  and  repeated  doses. 

When  the  disease  has  fully  attained  its  chronic  state, 
it  then  forms  a  local  affection,  distinguished  merely  by 
stiffness,  distention,  and  considerable  immobility  in  the 
joint. 

In  this  species  of  the  disease,  a  different  plan  of  cure 
must  be  followed.  Large  evacuations  are  to  be  avoided, 
and  external  stimulants  of  the  warmest  kind  should  be 
applied,  as  the  oil  of  sassafras,  spirits  of  turpentine, 
opodeldoc,  or  the  volatile  liniment;  (see  Recipe  63  and 
64)  and  along  with  this,  friction  with  a  flesh  brush  or 
fianntl  over  the  aflllicted  joint  is  not  to  be  omitted.  If 
these  means  prove  ineffectual  to  rouse  the  energy  of  the 
part,  add  to  an  ounce  or  two  of  either  of  the  above  ar- 
tides,  one  or  two  drachms  of  the  tincture  of  Spanish 
flies.  In  addition  to  these  remedies,  the  internal  use 
of  the  rheumatic  tincture,  (see  Recipe  60)  in  doses  of 
a  table-spoonful  twice  or  thrice  a-day  in  a  cup  of  tea,  is 
much  to  be  depended  upon. 

When  these  remedies  prove  ineffectual,  we  may  sus- 
pect that  there  exists  in  the  habit  some  peculiar  fault, 
which  must  be  corrected  before  a  cure  can  be  expected. 
If  the  patient  be  much  debilitated,  of  a  scorbutic  habit, 
give  him  bark  freely.  And  if  the  disease  is  in  conse- 
quence of  a  venereal  taint,  or  taking  cold  from  the  use 
of  mercury,  let  him  take  calomel  in  small  doses,  or  one 
of  the  m  rcurial  pills  (see  Recipe  25)  night  and  morn- 
ing, until  a  ptyalism  is  produced.  A  strong  decoction 


332 


Rheumatism. 


of  sarsaparilla  (see  Materia  Medica^)  is  also  a  useful  \ 
auxiliary,  and  sometimes  a  remedy  of  itself. 

In  some  cases  of  obstinate  rheumatism,  I  have  wit- 
nessed the  happiest  effects  from  taking,  for  some  time, 
a  tea-spoonful  of  flour  of  sulphur  night  and  morning  in 
milk  or  spirit  and  water.  In  others  again,  I  found 
nothing  equal  to  the  pokeberry  bounce  (see  Materia 
Medica^)  in  doses  of  a  wine-glassful,  morning,  noon, 
and  night. 

Compressing  the  large  arteries  by  means  of  a  tourni- 
quet or  bandage,  as  mentioned  under  the  head  of  inter- 
mittents,  is  another  remedy  which  has  been  employed 
with  advantage  in  some  instances  of  severe  rheumatic 
pains. 

Rubbing  the  part  affected  twice  a- day  with  tartar 
emetic  mixed  in  water  is  highly  useful. 

In  recent  cases  when  the  pain  is  wandering  from  one 
part  to  the  other,  or  whenever  the  joints  are  stiffened 
and  rigid,  and  the  pain  upon  motion  severe,  or  where 
the  muscles  have  became  contracted,  by  the  length  and 
violence  of  the  disorder,  immersing  the  whole  body  in 
a  warm  bath,  or  applying  it  tt)pically,  by  pouring  warm 
water  upon  the  lim.b  from  a  kettle,  or  fomenting  the 
part  with  a  decoction  of  n\ullein  two  or  three  times 
a-day,  will  often  soothe  the  pain,  and  prove  a  useful 
auxiliary  to  the  other  means  we  employ. 

Two  other  forms  of  rhenniatim  ought  here  to  be 
mentioned,  namely,  the  lumbago,  and  the  sciatic.  The 
first,  attacks  the  loins  or  lumbar  region,  with  a  most 
acute  pain  shooting  to  the  joints  of  the  thigh.  This  af- 
fection is  nearly  related  to  the  inflammatory  rheumatism, 
and  must  be  treated  in  the  same  manner,  only  instead 
of  applying  blisters  over  the  affected  part,  they  should 
be  applied  on  the  inside  of  the  thighs,  and  kept  running 
for  some  time. 

The  second,  or  sciatic,  is  a  violent  or  fixed  pain,  at- 
tacking the  hip  joint,  and  as  partaking  of  the  nature  of 
the  chronic  rheumatism,  is  most  successfully  to  be 
treated  like  that  disease. 


Faccine  Disease,  or  Coxu-Fox. 


333 


Prevention.  Cold  bathing,  and  the  use  of  flannd 
next  the  skin,  are  the  most  effectual  means  of  prevent- 
ing the  recurrence  of  both  acute  and  chronic  rheu- 
matism. 

Regimen.  In  acute  rheumatism,  the  patient  must  be 
kept  on  a  cool  spare  diet;  but  no  change  whatever  will 
be  necessary  in  the  patient's  ordinary  mode  of  living, 
in  chronic  rheumatism.  In  this  species,  mustard  and 
horse-radish  (see  Materia  Medica)  used  freely  in  their 
natural  state,  or  united  with  food,  will  be  found  very 
beneficial.  Exercise,  either  of  the  whole  body  or  of 
particular  limbs,  will  be  highly  important.  The  want  of 
exercise  is  apt  to  produce  stiflhess  in  the  limbs. 

VACCINE  DISEASE,  OR  COW-POX. 

The  vaccine  discovery  may  be  justly  considered  as 
one  of  the  most  extraordinary  blessings  bestowed  on 
man;  since  it  is  a  fact,  incontestable,  that  it  is  a  certain 
security  against  the  small-pox,  a  disease  distressing  in 
its  symptoms,  formidable  in  its  appearance,  doubtful 
in  event,  and  to  which  mankind  are  so  generally  ex- 
posed. 

The  comparative  advantages  which  the  kine-pox  has 
over  the  small-pox  are  very  great  and  striking.  First, 

I     it  is  neither  contagious  nor  commiuiicable  by  efiluvia; 

I  secondly^  it  excites  no  disposition  to  other  comphiints; 
thirdly,  it  can  be  communicated  with  safety  to  children 
at  the  earliest  age,  and  almost  in  every  situation;  and, 
fourthly,  it  is  never  fatal.  What  more  can  be  required 
to  produce  a  general  conviction  of  its  superior  uiiliiy? 
The  method  of  performing  the  inoculation,  is  to  hold 
the  lancet  nearly  at  a  right  angle  with  the  skin,  in  order 
that  the  infectious  fluid  may  gravitate  to  the  point  of 
the  instrument,  which  should  be  made  to  scratch  the 

1     skin  repeatedly,  until  it  becomes  slightly  tinged  with 

I  blood.  T\\Q  operator  must  be  cautious  not  to  n.ake  :he 
wound  deeper  than  necessary,  as  the  inoculated  part 


334 


Vaccine  Disease^  or  Cow- Pox, 


will  be  more  liable  to  inflammation,  wl/ich  may  destroy 
the  specific  action  of  the  virus. 

The  most  certain  method  of  securing  the  infection, 
is  to  inoculate  with  fresh  fluid  from  the  pustule;  but  as 
this  is  often  impracticable,  it  is  advisable  to  hold  the  in- 
fected lancet  over  the  steam  of  boiling  water  to  soften 
the  hardened  matter.  Where  the  virus  has  been  pro- 
cured upon  thread;  make  a  small  longitudinal  incision 
in  the  arm,  and  insert  in  it  the  affected  thread,  and  de- 
tain it  there  by  court- plaster,  until  the  disease  is  com- 
municated. Matter  may  also  be  procured  from  the 
scab.  The  mode  of  inoculating  from  it  is  the  same  as 
from  the  fluid,  taking  care,  however,  previously  to 
moisten  it  with  tepid  water,  and  to  use  the  matter  of 
the  inner  side  of  the  scab.  The  scab  will  frequently  re- 
tain its  virus  for  months,  provided  it  be  kept  in  a  close 
box. 

The  first  indication  of  the  success  of  the  operation  is 
a  small  inflamed  spot  at  the  part  where  the  puncture 
is  made;  v/hich  is  very  distinguishable  about  the  third, 
fourth  or  fifth  day.  This  continues  to  increase  in  size, 
becomes  hard,  and  a  small  circular  tumor  is  formed, 
rising  a  little  above  the  level  of  the  skin.  About  the 
sixth  or  seventh  day  the  centre  of  the  tumor  shows  a 
discoloured  speck,  owing  to  the  formation  of  a  small 
^  quantity  of  fluid,  and  this  continues  to  increase  and  the 
pustule  to  fill,  until  about  the  tenth  day. 

At  this  time  it  shows  in  perfection  the  characteristic 
features  which  distinguish  it  from  the  variolous  pustule. 
Its  shape  is  circular,  or  somewhat  a  little  oval,  but  the 
margin  is  always  well  defined,  and  never  rough  and 
jagged,  the  edges  rise  above  the  level  of  ihe  skin,  but 
the  centre  is  di^pressed,  and  has  not  that  plumpness 
which  masks  the  small  pox  pustule.  As  soon  as  the 
pustule  contains  any  fluid,  it  may  be  opened  for  future 
inoculation.  About  two  days  before,  and  two  after  the 
eighth  day,  making  a  period  of  four  days,  is  the  season 
when  the  matter  is  found  in  its  greatest  activity. 

At  the  eighth  day,  when  the  pustule  is  fuliy  formed, 
the  efltcts  on  the  constitution  begin  to  appear.  The  gc- 


Facchie  Disease,  or  Cow -Pox, 


335 


ncral  indisposition  is  commonly  preceded  by  pain  at 
the  pustule  and  in  the  arm -pit,  followed  by  headach, 
some  shivering,  loss  of  appetite,  pain  in  the  limbs,  and 
a  feverish  increase  of  pulse.  These  continue  with  more 
or  less  violence  for  one  or  two  days,  and  always  sub- 
side spontaneously  without  leaving  any  unpleasant  con- 
sequences. Durini^  the  general  indisposition,  the  pus- 
tule in  the  arm,  which  had  been  advancing  to  maturation 
in  a  regular  uniform  manner,  becomes  surrounded  with 
a  circular  inflam.ed  margin,  about  an  inch  or  an  inch 
and  a  half  broad,  and  this  blush  is  an  indication  that  the 
whole  system  is  affected;  for  the  general  indispo^  tion, 
if  it  occurs  at  all,  ahvays  appears  on,  or  before  the  time 
when  the  efflorescence  becomes  visil^le.  After  this  pe- 
riod, the  fluid  in  the  pustule  gradually  dries  up,  the  sur- 
rounding blush  becomes  fainter,  and  in  a  day  or  two 
dies  away  imperceptibly;  so  that  it  is  seldom  to  be  dis- 
tinguished after  the  thirteenth  day  from  inoculation. 
The  pustule  now  no  longer  increases  in  extent,  but  on 
its  surface  a  hard  thick  scab,  of  a  brown  or  mahogany 
colour  is  formed,  which  if  not  removed,  remains  for 
nearly  a  fortnight,  until  it  spontaneously  falls,  leaving 
the  skin  beneath  perfectly  sound  and  uninjured. 

The  above  is  the  progress  of  the  vaccine  inoculation 
in  the  greater  number  of  cases,  from  the  time  of  inser- 
tion to  that  of  drying  up  of  the  pustule,  with  only  the 
variation  of  a  day  or  two  in  the  periods  of  the  different 
changes.  The  successive  alterations  that  take  place  in 
the  local  affection,  appear  to  be  more  constant  and  more 
necessary  to  the  success  of  the  inoculation,  than  the 
general  indisposition.  With  respect  to  this  latter,  the 
degree  is  very  various — infants  often  pass  through  the 
disease  without  any  perceptible  illness — with  children 
it  is  extremely  moderate — and  even  with  adults,  its 
severity  is  but  for  a  few  hours,  and  then  never  dan- 
gerous. 

Very  little  medical  care  is  necessary  to  conduct  the 
patient  through  this  disease  with  perfect  safety;  espe- 
cially  when  children  are  the  patients.  Adults  may  take 
a  dose  of  salts  on  the  eighth  day,  which  will  be  parti- 


336 


Vaccine  Disease,  or  Cow- Pox, 


cularly  useful  in  plethoric  habits.  In  general,  no  ap- 
plication  to  the  inoculated  part  will  be  required,  unless 
the  inflammation  increases,  and  the  pustule  becomes 
painful;  then  the  part  should  be  kept  moist  with  cold 
vinegar  and  water,  or  lead  water,  till  the  pustule  is 
dried  up. 

To  conclude,  much  attention  and  discrimination  are 
necessary  in  the  vaccine  inoculation,  to  ascertain  whe- 
ther the  infection  has  fully  taken,  and  whether  or  not, 
the  disorder  is  complete  and  genuine.  The  regularity 
with  which  the  local  disease  at  the  place  of  inoculation, 
runs  through  its  several  stages,  seems  to  be  the  princi- 
pal point  to  be  attended  to:  for  the  presence  of  fever 
is  certainly  not  necessary  to  constitute  the  disease,  since 
the  greater  number  of  infants  have  no  apparent  indispo- 
sition. 

Therefore,  when  the  vaccine  inoculation  is  followed 
by  no  local  disorder,  or  only  a  slight  redness  at  the 
punctured  part,  for  a  day  or  two,  we  can  have  no  doubt 
that  the  operation  has  failed.  When  the  pustule  ad- 
vances in  very  hasty  and  irregular  progress,  when  the 
inoculated  puncture  on  the  second  or  third  day  after  in- 
sertion, swells  considerably,  and  is  surrounded  with  an 
extensive  redness:  this  premature  inflammation  very 
clearly  indicates  a  failure  in  the  operation.  Even  when 
the  inoculation  has  advanced  for  the  first  few  days  in  a 
regular  manner;  but,  when  about  the  sixth  day,  instead 
of  exhibiting  a  well  formed-pustule  and  vesicle  of  fluid, 
the  part  runs  into  an  irregular  festering  sore,  the  pur- 
pose of  inoculation  is  equally  defeated;  and  these  va- 
rieties require  it  to  be  watched  with  an  attentive  and  ex- 
perienced eye,  since  they  might  readily  lead  to  a  false 
and  perhaps  fatal  idea  of  security  against  any  subse- 
quent exposure  to  the  small-pox.  The  circumstance, 
however,  which  most  strikingly  distinguishes  the  ge- 
nuine from  the  spurious  disease,  is  the  appearance  of 
the  pustule.  In  the  genuine,  the  pustule  has  a  well-de- 
fined  elevated  margin,  with  an  indentatioi  in  its  centre, 
resembling  a  button  mould.  The  spurious  is  either 
pointed  like  a  small  common  abscess,  or  is  rugged  and 


\ 


Small' Pox,  337 

irregularly  formed,  like  an  ordinary  sore.  Every  other 
symptom,  almost  occurs  in  each  disease. 

SMALL-POX. 

It  would  seem  unnecessary  to  take  any  notice  of  the 
small-pox,  after  having  treated  so  largely  of  its  mild  and 
merciful  substitute,  the  cow-pox;  but  as  that  dreadful 
disease  does  sometimes  find  its  way  on  board  of  ships 
and  into  country  neighbourhoods,  sweeping  whole  fami- 
lies in  its  progress,  it  may  be  very  proper  to  subjoin  the 
following  history  of  its  symptoms  and  treatment. 

The  small-pox  appears  under  two  very  different 
forms,  the  distinct  and  confluent.  In  the  first,  which  *is 
by  far  the  mildest,  the  pustules  fill  and  assume  a  coni- 
cal shape.  In  the  last  and  most  dangerous,  the  pustules 
run  together,  and  remain  flat. 

Symptoms.  A  few  days  prior  to  the  attack,  the  pa- 
tient complains  of  languor  and  weariness,  succeeded  by 
cold  shiverings  and  transient  glows  of  heat,  immedi- 
ately before  the  fever;  which  is  accompanied  by  violent 
pain  of  the  head  and  loins,  and  frequently  with  a  severe, 
oppressive  pain  at  the  pit  of  the  stomach.  The  patient 
is  very  drowsy,  and  sometimes  delirious.  About  the 
third  day,  the  eruption  appears  like  flea  bites,  first  on 
the  face  and  limbs,  and  afterwards  on  the  body.  From 
this  period  the  pustules  gradually  increase,  and  on  the 
fifth  or  sixth  day,  will  begin  to  turn  white  on  the  tops. 
The  throat  at  this  period  often  becomes  painful  and  in- 
flamed; and  sometimes  on  the  seventh  day  the  face  is 
considerably  swelled. 

In  the  confluent,  the  spots  assume  a  crimson  colour, 
and  instead  of  rising,  like  the  distinct  kind,  they  re- 
main flat  and  run  into  clusters;  and  during  the  first 
days  of  the  eruption,  much  resembling  the  measles,  but 
of  a  purple  colour.  The  flow  of  saliva  is  constant  in  this 
form  of  the  disease,  and  becomes  so  viscid  as  to  be  dis- 
charged with  the  greatest  difficulty. 

2U 


338 


Small- Pox, 


Treatment.  The  cure  of  small-pox  depends  on 
the  general  principle  of  the  antiphlogistic  plan,  espe- 
cially in  a  free  admission  of  cold  air,  which  may  be  car- 
ried much  further  in  this,  than  in  any  other  disease. 
Bleeding  in  the  first  stage  of  the  disease,  or  when  the 
pulse  is  full,  may  be  allowed,  but  the  use  of  cooling 
purgatives,  with  acid  and  diluent  drinks,  are  indispen- 
sable. 

When  the  eruption  makes  its  appearance  in  clusters 
of  a  dark  red  colour,  the  disease  is  more  of  a  putrid  na- 
ture; and  consequently,  instead  of  bleeding,  requires  a 
liberal  use  of  bark  and  wine  to  invigorate  the  constitu- 
tion, as  directed  in  the  nervous  fever.  See  Oak.  Ma- 
tdfia  Meclica* 

But  besides  this  general  treatment,  there  are  some 
symptoms  which  require  particular  attention.  Thus, 
when  convulsions  or  great  restlessness  prevail,  exposure 
to  cold  air,  and  a  dose  of  laudanum  are  enjoined. 
Where  respiration  is  much  impeded,  or  deglutition  dif- 
ficult, bhsters  may  be  applied  to  the  breast  and  neck, 
and  gargles,  such  as  are  recommended  for  sore  throats, 
frequently  employed.  If  the  perspiration  be  obstructed, 
the  antimonial  mixture  may  be  used. 

When  this  disease  finds  its  way  aboard  of  a  vessel,  or 
into  a  family,  all  those  who  have  not  had  it,  should  im- 
mediately be  inoculated  with  the  variolous  matter,  if 
the  vaccine  fluid  cannot  be  procured. 

The  benefits  which  result  from  inoculation  are  great, 
as  we  have  an  opportunity  to  prepare  the  system  by  ab- 
stinence from  animal  food,  and  by  taking  one  or  two 
purges  of  calomel  and  jalap  before  the  eruption  takes 
place.  But  if  the  subject  be  of  a  weak  delicate  habit,  a 
restorative  diet  alone  will  be  more  proper. 

In  every  stage  of  the  small-pox,  the  bowels  should  be 
kept  open,  either  by  mild  purgatives  or  glysters. 

Regimen.  The  diet  is  to  consist  of  vegetable  sub- 
stances, as  arrow  root,  panado,  milk,  rice,  &c.  and  when 
the  eruption  is  completed,  a  more  nourishing  diet  may 


Measles. 


339 


be  allowed.  If  the  disease  is  of  the  putrid  kind,  wine, 
cyder,  perry,  porter  or  milk  toddy,  may  be  given  freely. 

In  this  as  in  all  diseases  connected  with  putrescency, 
the  advantages  arising  from  cleanliness  as  well  as  from 
frequent  ventilation  of  the  chambers,  are  so  obvious, 
that  to  insist  on  them  is  unnecessary.  See  Nervous 
Fever* 

MEASLES. 

This  disease  is  the  effect  of  a  specific  contagion,  and 
attacks  persons  only  once  in  life. 

Symptoms.  Alternate  heats  and  chills,  with  the 
usual  symptoms  of  cold.  On  the  fourth  day  from  the 
attack,  eruptions  like  flea  bites,  arise  on  the  face  and 
body,  and  in  about  four  days  more,  those  eruptions  dis- 
appear with  the  fever. 

Treatment.  When  the  disease  is  very  slight,  little 
more  is  necessary  than  to  keep  the  patient's  body  open, 
with  the  cathartic  mixture.  (See  Recipe  11.)  Bjjt  should 
the  febrile  symptoms  run  high,  with  difficulty  of  breath- 
ing, bleed,  blister  the  breast,  inhale  through  the  spout 
of  a  tea-pot,  the  steam  of  hot  water,  and  give  the  anti- 
monial  powders  or  mixture.  (See  Recipe  1  and  6.)  The 
cough  being  usually  troublesome,  it  will  be  proper  to 
take  freely  of  flaxseed  syrup,  (see  Materia  Medica)  or 
some  demulcent  pectoral.  After  the  eruption  is  com- 
pleted, the  anodyne  sudorific  draught,  (see  Recipe  18,) 
paregoric,  or  laudanum,  will  be  serviceable  at  bed  time, 
to  allay  the  cough.  If  the  spots  suddenly  disappear,  im- 
merse the  body  in  warm  water,  or  bathe  the  legs  and 
feet,  and  give  freely  of  warm  wine  whey,  until  the 
eruptions  return. 

The  consequences  attendant  on  the  measles  are  often 
more  to  be  dreaded  than  the  immediate  disease;  for,  al- 
though a  person  may  get  through  it,  and  appear  for  a 
time  recovered,  still  pulmonary  consumption  frequently 
arises,  and  destroys  him.  Another  bad  consequence  of 


34f'J  C/iickeriy  or  Sxvlne-Pox, 


the  measles  is,  that  the  bowels  are  often  left  by  them  in 
a  very  weak  state,  a  diarrhoea  remaining,  which  has 
sometimes  proved  fatal.  An  obstinate  ophthalmia,  or  af- 
fection of  the  eyes,  will  also  ensue,  if  proper  attention 
is  not  paid  in  managing  the  disease.  Most  of  these  dis- 
agreeable symptoms  may  be  prevented  by  blcod-letting, 
in  the  first  stages  of  the  disease. 

Should  the  symptoms  manifest  a  malignant  kind  of 
the  disease,  and  a  putrid  tendency  prevail,  we  must 
then  adopt  a  very  different  mode  of  treatment  from  what 
has  been  advised  for  the  inflammatory.  The  cure  must 
be  conducted  on  the  plan  recommended  for  the  nervous 
fever. 

Regimen.  The  diet  should  be  low  and  proportion- 
ed  to  the  degree  of  fever.  Barley  or  rice  water,  flax- 
seed tea,  or  other  cooling  mucilaginous  drinks,  with 
jellies,  as  arrow  root,  gruel,  sago,  &c.  will,  in  general, 
be  all  that  is  necessary  until  the  feverish  symptoms  are 
evidently  on  the  decline.  Much  caution  is  necessary 
that  the  patient  be  not  suddenly  exposed  to  cold  air, 
which  might  repel  the  eruption  and  produce  fatal 
effects. 

CHICKEN,  OR  SWINE-POX. 

In  this  disease  an  eruption  much  resembhng  that  of 
a  very  favourable  small-pox,  appears  after  a  very  slight 
fever.  This  eruption  soon  proceeds  to  suppuration,  in 
which  state  it  remains  but  a  little  time,  before  the  dis- 
ease terminates  by  the  drying  up  of  the  pustules,  which 
seldom  leave  scars  behind. 

As  to  the  treatment,  medicine  is  very  seldom  neces- 
sary,  it  being  generally  sufficient  that  the  patient  be 
kept  moderately  coo],  and  supplied  with  diluent  drinks 
and  light  food.  Should  there  be  fever,  a  coohng  purge 
and  afterwards  the  antimonial  powders  or  mixtures  may 
be  employed. 


Sil 


SAINT  ANTHONY'S  FIRE. 

Symptoms.  An  inflammation  on  some  part  of  the 
skin,  attended  with  pain  and  heat;  and  when  extensive, 
there  is  considerable  fever,  accompanied  with  drowsi- 
ness. 

Causes.  Imprudent  exposure  to  cold  when  the  bodjr 
is  heated— hard  drinking — and  sudden  stoppage  of  any- 
natural  evacuation. 

Treatment.  When  slight,  it  requires  only  that  the 
bowels  be  kept  gently  open,  by  an  infusion  of  peach 
leaves,  (see  Materia  Aledica)  small  doses  of  cream  of 
tartar  and  sulphur,  or  the  cathartic  mixture,  (see  Re- 
cipe 11.)  with  small  portions  of  nitre  in  the  patient's 
common  drink;  but  when  the  attack  is  violent,  and  the 
head  affected,  then,  in  addition  to  the  above,  bleed, 
bathe  the  feet  in  warm  water,  apply  sinapisms  to  the 
extremities,  and  give  the  saline  or  antimonial  mixture 
(see  Recipe  14  and  6.)  with  diluent  drinks. 

The  best  external  applications  are  flour  or  starch, 
gently  sprinkled  by  a  puff  on  the  part,  or  in  case  of 
dryness  and  much  heat,  cabbage  leaves,  stripped  of 
their  stems  and  softened  in  boiling  water,  and  renewed 
every  two  or  three  hours.  Cold  applications,  as  cloths 
wetted  with  vinegar  and  water,  with  the  addition  of  a 
small  quantity  of  camphorated  spirits,  has  also  been 
employed  with  great  benefit  and  relief  to  the  feelings  of 
the  patieilt. 

If,  in  spite  of  these  means,  ulceration  should  take 
place,  apply  bark  poultices,  frequently  renewed,  or 
cloths  dipped  in  the  camphorated  spirits,  (see  Recipe 
62.)  with  the  usual  means  of  preventing  mortification. 
Should  the  inflammation  become  of  a  purple  colour,  or 
the  swelling  suddenly  subside,  attended  with  internal 
oppression,  anxiety  and  weak  pulse,  apply  blisters  or 
sinapisms  to  the  extremities,  and  give  wine  or  warm 


542 


Bleeding  at  the  Jsiose. 


toddy  freely,  to  throw  out  the  eruptions  to  the  skin; 
and  then  it  is  to  be  treated  as  the  nervous  fever. 

Regimen.  The  diet  should  be  low,  and  the  drink 
■  chiefly  of  rice  or  barley  water,  acidulated  with  tama- 
rinds or  the  juice  of  lemons. 

Prevention.  Avoid  the  extremes  of  heat  or  cold, 
abstain  from  spirituous  liquors,  and  keep  the  bowels 
regularly  open. 

BLEEDING  AT  THE  NOSE. 

In  febrile  diseases  accompanied  with  pain  in  the 
head,  flushed  countenance,  and  redness  of  the  eyes, 
bleeding  from  the  nose  in  general,  is  salutary,  and 
ought  not  to  be  checked,  unless  the  patient  is  likely  to 
be  too  much  exhausted  by  it;  however,  when  this  dis- 
charge is  too  profuse,  the  patient  should  have  his  head 
raised  and  exposed  to  cool  air.  Beside  which^  cold  acid- 
ulated drinks  should  be  used,  and  the  patient  should 
either  immerse  his  head  in  very  cold  water,  or  have 
cloths  dipped  in  cold  vinegar  and  water  frequently  ap- 
plied to  the  face  and  back  of  the  neck.  A  piece  of  me- 
tal, as  a  key  for  example,  applied  cold  to  the  naked 
back,  is  a  familiar  remedy,  and  often  succeeds.  If  these 
should  not  prove  sufficient,  a  pledget  of  lint  dipt  in 
strong  alum  water,  or  a  powder  composed  of  flour  and 
alum  of  equal  quantity,  should  be  introduced  into  the 
nostrils,  with  sufficient  force  to  compress  the  orifice  of 
the  ruptured  vessels.  To  keep  the  feet  for  some  time 
immersed  in  cold  w^ater,  is  an  excellent  remedy  ^j^i  this 
disease. 

One  of  the  most  powerful  styptics  which  we  can  use, 
says  Dr.  Thomas,  is  powder  of  charcoal.  It  may  be 
applied  by  means  of  tents,  first  moistened  with  water, 
and  then  dipped  in  this  powder;  but  in  slight  cases,  it 
will  answer  by  being  taken  like  snuff*. 

After  the  bleeding  has  ceased,  the  patient  must  be 


spitting  of  Blood. 


343 


careful  not  to  remove  the  tents  of  clotted  blood,  but 
should  allow  them  to  come  away  of  themselves. 

SPITTING  OF  BLOOD. 

When  there  is  a  discharge  from  the  mouth  of  blood 
of  a  florid  colour,  brought  up  with  more  or  less  cough- 
ing, preceded  by  a  sense  of  tightness,  w^eight,  and 
anxiety  in  the  chest,  and  attended  with  a  saltish  taste  of 
the  spittle,  it  is  in  consequence  of  a  ruptured  vessel  of 
the  lungs. 

Causes.  Plethora — violent  exercise  of  the  lungs — 
and  frequently  a  faulty  conformation  of  the  chest. 

Treatment.  Give  immediately  from  a  tea  to  a 
table-spoonful  of  common  salt,  which  must  be  repeated 
every  two  hours  or  oftener,  in  large  doses  until  it  is 
checked.  And  to  prevent  a  return  of  the  disease,  a 
small  table-spoonful  of  the  salt  must  be  taken  daily  for 
two  or  three  days.  Professor  Rush  employed  the  com- 
mon  salt  with  success,  in  haemorrhages  from  the  sto- 
mach, accompanied  with  vomiting,  and  others  have  tried 
it  with  equal  success  in  discharges  of  blood  from  the 
nose  and  uterus. 

The  sugar  of  lead  in  the  form  of  powder  or  pills  (see 
Recipe  22,)  has  also  been  employed  with  great  advan- 
tage in  this  complaint 

If  the  patient  be  of  a  plethoric  habit  or  feverish,  a  free 
use  of  the  lancet  is  absolutely  necessary,  in  proportion 
to  the  state  of  the  pulse.  Besides  which,  cooling  pur- 
gatives should  occasionally  be  given;  the  patient,  at  the 
same  time  adhering  strictly  to  the  antiphlogistic  regi- 
men. The  tincture  of  foxglove  (see  Materia  Aledica) 
exhibited  in  small  doses  every  three  or  four  hours,  by 
retarding  the  action  of  the  pulse,  will  prove  a  most  use- 
ful auxiliary  in  suppressing  pulmonic  haemorrhages, 
particularly  in  those  cases  where  an  inflammatory  dia- 
thesis prevails. 

Whenever  there  is  fixed  pain  of  the  chest,  a  blister 


344 


Consumption. 


applied  to  the  breast  or  back  will  do  much  service. 
After  the  pain,  cough,  and  afflux  of  blood  cease,  ten  or 
fifteen  drops  of  balsam  capivi,  or  four  or  five  tar  pills  of 
common  size,  prepared  by  adding  bark  to  the  tar,  thrice 
a-day,  will  be  proper  to  restore  the  tone  of  the  ruptur- 
ed vessels. 

Sometimes  a  spitting  of  blood  is  produced  in  conse- 
quence of  suppressed  evacuation;  in  this  case  it  is  not 
dangerous,  and  only  requires  remedies  to  restore  the 
vicarious  discharge. 

Regimen.  A  low  diet  mu st  be  strictly  observed  and 
the  body  kept  as  quiet  as  possible.  Nothing  should  be 
taken  warm:  flaxseed  tea,  barley  or  rice  water  acidu- 
lated with  the  juice  of  lemons  or  elixir  vitriol,  ought 
to  be  used  as  common  drinks,  and  taken  as  cold  as  pos- 
sible. 

Prevention.  Carefully  avoid  all  exertions  which 
detain  or  which  hurry  the  blood  in  its  passage  through 
the  lungs,  as  singing,  loud  speaking,  running  or  lifting 
great  weights.  Obviate  costiveness  by  the  occasional 
use  of  mild  aperients,  and  use  a  spare  diet.  On  expe- 
riencing any  pain  in  the  chest,  blister,  bleed,  and  con- 
stantly wear  flannel  next  to  the  skin, 

CONSUiMPTION. 

Symptoms.  Those  which,  mark  its  first  stage,  are  a 
slight  fever  increased  by  the  least  exercise — a  burning 
and  dryness  in  the  palms  of  the  hands,  more  especially 
towards  evening — rheumy  eyes  upon  waking  from  sleep 
— increase  of  urine — dryness  of  the  skin,  as  also  of  the 
feet  in  the  morning — occasional  flushing  in  one,  and 
sometimes  both  cheeks — hoarseness — slight  or  acute 
pain  in  the  breast — fixed  pain  in  one  side,  or  shooting 
pains  in  both  sides — headach — occasional  sick  and 
fainty  fits — a  deficiency  of  appetite — and  a  general  in- 
disposition to  exercise,  or  motion  of  every  kind. 

The  first  appearance  of  this  disease  will  vary  in  dlf- 


Consumption* 


345 


ferent  cases,  but  the  most  constant  symptoms  which 
characterize  it,  are  a  cough  and  spitting  of  phlegm  re- 
sembling matter,  of  which  at  length  it  becomes  entirely 
composed. 

Causes.  Obstructions  and  inflammation  of  the  lungs, 
depending  most  frequently  on  the  existence  of  small 
tubercles  in  the  substance  which  coming  to  suppura- 
tion, burst  and  discharge  a  purulent  matter.  Sometimes 
it  is  induced  by  a  general  affection  of  the  system,  and 
sometimes  it  is  a  consequence  of  other  diseases,  as  cold, 
measles,  small-pox,  pleurisy,  &c.  &c. 

Treatment.  This  must  be  varied  and  adapted  to 
each  stage  and  case  of  the  disease.  In  the  first,  or  in- 
flammatory stage,  moderate  bleedings  twice  or  thrice 
a  week,  according  to  the  force  of  the  pulse,  and  habit 
of  the  patient  are  essential,  aided  by  blisters  to  the 
breast  and  back;  and  employing  at  the  same  time  a 
cooling  regimen. 

Nitre  in  doses  of  ^en  or  fifteen  grains,  three  or  four 
times  a  day,  and  the  antimonial  mixture  (see  Recipe  6) 
in  nauseating  doses,  are  serviceable  in  lessening  the  ar- 
terial action,  but  greater  benefits  will  result  from  the 
use  of  the  foxglove,  (see  Materia  Medica^)  which  may- 
be given  with  safety  even  to  consumptive  children; 
but  like  all  powerful  medicines,  it  should  be  used 
with  much  caution  in  such  tender  subjects.  The  most 
eligible  mode  of  using  the  foxglove,  is  in  a  tincture, 
(see  Recipe  5,)  beginning  with  the  dose  of  twenty 
drops,  and  gradually  increasing  it  to  forty,  fifty,  or  sixty 
to  an  adult,  morning,  noon  and  night.  In  giving  this 
medicine,  it  should  be  so  managed  as  not  to  induce 
vomiting  or  violent  sickness.  But  if  either  happen,  the 
patient  must  for  a  day  or  two  omit  the  medicine,  and 
afterwards  resume  the  use  of  it  in  smaller  doses. 

After  the  inflammatory  symptoms  have  somewhat 
subsided,  laudanum  m  doses  of  five  or  six  drops  twice 
or  thrice  a-day,  and  a  larger  dose  at  bed  time,  may  be 
given  with  the  greatest  advantage.  Doctor  Rush  olten 

2X 


346 


Consumption* 


succeeded  in  curing  this  disease,  by  giving  small  doses 
of  calomel  until  a  slight  salivation  was  excited,  but  it 
should  not  precede  the  antiphlogistic  treatment. 

Iceland  liverwort  or  moss,  has  been  highly  extolled 
of  late  in  tl)is  complamt  as  a  remedy,  that  readily  allays 
cough,  facilitates  expectoration,  abates  hectic  fever,  ar-.d 
quiets  the  system  without  constipating  the  bowels  .It 
is  likewise  said  to  strengthen  the  organs  of  digestion, 
without  increasing  the  action  of  the  heart  and  arteries. 
Incieed  the  physicians  of  Europe  have  spoken  so  loudly 
in  its  praise,  that  every  patient  ought  certainly  to  give 
it  a  trial.  The  most  approved  method  of  using  it  is  iu 
•  the  form  of  decoction;  one  ounce  of  the  herb  to  a 
quart  of  water  boiled  for  fifteen  minutes  over  a  slow 
fire,  to  which  two  drachma  of  sliced  liquorice  root  may 
be  addt  d  about  five  iminutes  before  it  is  taken  off.  A 
tea-cupful  of  this  dc  oction  should  be  taken  four  times 
a-day.  Another  form  is  by  boiling  two  drachms  of  the 
herb  in  a  pint  of  milk  for  ten  minutes,  and  taking  it 
for  breakfast  and  supper.  If  chocolate  be  preferred,  it 
may  be  blended  with  it,  by  making  the  chocolate  with 
a  decoction  of  the  moss,  without  the  liquorice,  as 
above  directed. 

Regimen.  The  diet  in  the  inflammatory  state  of 
consumption  should  be  light,  and  composed  of  articles 
that  tend  to  correct  acrimony  and  diminish  inflamma- 
tion, as  miik,  butter-milk,  rice  milk,  arrow  root,  sago, 
fruits  of  every  kind,  and  vegetables.  In  the  advanced 
stage  of  the  disease,  and  when  the  pulse  is  weak,  a 
more  cordial  and  stimulating  diet,  and  strengthening 
remedies  are  necessary.  To  prevent  weakness,  and  other 
ill  effects  of  an  empty  stomach,  patients  should  take 
frequently  of  meat,  with  wine  or  toddy:  raw  oysters 
are  thought  to  be  peculiarly  proper.  With  this  cordial 
diet,  small  does  of  balsam  capivi  or  laudanum,  or  an 
infusion  of  the  inner  bark  of  the  wild-cherry  tree,  or 
haorhound  and  bitters  of  all  kinds,  have  been  ex- 
ceedingly useful,  in  this  state  of  consumption.  Exer- 
cise when  not  carried  to  fatigue,  in  a  dry  country  air, 


Incontinence  of  Ur'me, 


347 


often  does  more  good  than  medicine,  and  consecjuently 
should  always  be  taken.  A  perpetual  blister  or  a  sctoii 
on  the  breast  or  side,  is  useful  in  this  complaint. 

Long  journies  on  horseback,  are  the  most  effectual 
modes  of  exercise,  carefully  avoiding  night  air,  and  the 
extreme  heat  of  the  day  in  summer.  That  exercise  be 
not  carried  to  fatigue,  patients  should  travel  only  a  few 
miles  in  a  day  at  first,  and  gradually  increase  the 
distance  as  they  increase  their  strength.  When  exercise 
on  horseback  cannot  be  supported,  sailing  and  swing- 
ing should  be  substituted,  and  no  effort  to  cheer  the 
spirits,  or  innocently  to  amuse  the  mind,  should  be  ne- 
glected. 

Great  care  should  be  taken  to  regulate  the  dress  ac- 
cording to  the  changes  of  the  weather.  The  chest  in 
particular  should  be  defended  from  the  cold,  and  the 
feet  from  the  damp.  In  the  various  stages  of  this  dis- 
order, the  bowels  ought  to  be  kept  moderately  open  by 
emollient  glysters,  or  the  mildest  laxatives. 

INCONTINENCE  OF  URINE. 
Symptoms.  An  involuntary  evacuation  of  urine. 

Causes.  A  relaxation  of  the  sphincter  of  the  blad- 
der— injuries  received  about  the  neck  of  the  bladder — 
pressure  of  the  womb  in  a  state  of  pregnancy,  &c. 

Treatment.  When  the  disease  proceeds  from  a 
relaxation  of  the  sphincter  of  the  bladder,  a  blister  to 
the  OS  sacrum  or  lowermost  part  of  the  back- bone  will 
be  found  highly  beneficial,  and  often  effects  a  cure.  The 
cold  bath  and  tonic  medicines,  as  bark,  steel,  and  co- 
lumbo,  are  peculiarly  proper  in  obstinate  cases  of  this 
kind.  The  tincture  of  caniharides  (see  Recipe  bb)  in 
do^es  of  ten  or  twelve  drops  every  ihree  or  tour  hours, 
is  also  a  good  remedy.  When  it  is  produced  by  an  im- 
pregnated womb,  little  mcjre  can  b(r  done .  than  obser- 
ving a  horizontal  position  as  much  a!>  possible.  The 


348        Suppression  and  Difficulty  of  Urine. 

occasional  use  of  rhubarb  in  small  doses,'  to  keep  the 
bowels  easy,  tends  to  alleviate  the  aff'ection. 

SUPPRESSION  AND  DIFFICULTY  OF 
URINE. 

Arises  from  a  variety  of  causes,  as  calculous  concre- 
tions— obstructions  in  the  uretha — blisters — or  the 
tincture  of  cantharides,  taken  internally  too  freely — 
wounds,  bruises,  &c. 

Treatment.  If  the  pulse  be  full  and  feverish,  bleed 
and  procure  stools  by  emollient  glysters  and  cooling 
laxatives,  such  as  castor  oil,  or  the  cathartic  mixture. 
(See  Recipe  11.)  Much  dependence  is  to  be  placed  in 
the  free  use  of  dehiulcent  drinks,  as  barley  water,  flax- 
seed tea,  mucilage  of  gum  arabic,  decoction  of  marsh- 
mallows,  of  parsley  roots,  or  of  water-melon  seeds,  es- 
pecially if  the  affection  be  owing  to  the  cantharides,  or 
any  injury  of  the  bladder.  One  of  the  camphorated 
powders  (see  Recipe  2)  given  every  three  or  four  hours, 
in  the  patient's  common  drink,  will  also  prove  an  auxili- 
ary. Great  relief  will  be  obtained  from  the  warm  bath, 
used  oftener  or  seldomer  as  the  case  may  require,  or 
from  the  frequent  applications  to  the  belly  of  cloths 
wrung  out  of  hot  water,  or  bladders  half  filled  with  it. 
Opiates  are  serviceable,  but  should  never  be  used  in 
the  heio^ht  of  fever. 

When  this  complaint  is  in  consequence  of  calculous 
concretions  or  gravel  obstructing  the  urinary  passages, 
which  may  be  known  by  pain  in  the  loins,  sickness  at 
the  stomach,  and  sometimes  a  discharge  of  bloody  urine, 
an  infusion  of  wild-carrot  seed  sweetened  with  honey  is 
very  beneficial.  A  more  powerful  medicine,  liowever, 
for  sjravel  complaints,  is  the  caustic  alkali  or  soap-lees, 
(see  Recipe  33,)  but  being  of  an  acrid  nature,  it  ought 
always  to  be  given  in  mucilaginous  drinks,  and  com- 
menced with  small  doses;  which  should  be  gradually 
increased  as  far  as  the  stomach  can  bear,  and  continued 


Piles. 


349 


for  a  long  tihie,  particularly  if  there  should  be  an  abate- 
ment of  the  symptoms. 

When  the  application  of  blisters  causes  a  difficulty 
of  urine,  wash  the  blistered  part  frequendy  with  warm 
milk  and  water,  or  apply  sweet  oil.  In  children,  a  sup- 
pression of  urine  is  often  relieved  by  a  poultice  of  raw 
onions  or  radishes  applied  to  the  bottom  of  the  belly.  ^ 

Regimen.  During  the  violence  of  this  complaint  the 
lightest  diet  only  should  be  used,  and  mucilaginous 
drinks  taken  freely.  Those  who  are  often  afflicted  with 
it,  ought  carefully  to  avoid  aliment  hard  of  digestion, 
flatulent,  or  of  a  healing  nature. 

PILES. 

Symptoms.  Painful  tumours  about  the  fundament, 
or  a  flow  of  blood  from  it. 

Causes.  Costiveness — strong  aloetic  purges — much 
riding — or  sedentary  habits. 

Treatment.  If  the  patient  be  of  a  full  habit,  bleed 
and  live  abstemiously,  keep  the  body  gently  open  with 
molasses  and  water,  or  equal  parts  of  sulphur  and 
cream  of  tartar,  in  doses  of  a  tea- spoonful  two  or 
or  three  times  a- day.  When  the  tumours  are  painful, 
set  over  a  steam  of  hot  water  and  anoint  the  part  with 
sweet  oil,  or  wash  frequently  with  lead  water,  to  a  half 
pint  of  which  may  be  added  one  or  two  table-spoonfuls 
of  laudanum.  If  the  tumours  will  not  yield  to  one  or 
other  of  these  applica,tions,  anoint  them  night  and  morn- 
ing with  mercurial  ointment,  to  which  may  be  added 
opium.  The  application  of  leeches  to  the  tumours,  is 
highly  useful.  If  the  disease  arises  from  debility,  give 
ten  grains  of  steel  thrice  a-day. 

When  the  piles  are  of  the  bleeding  sort,  apply  cloths 
dipped  in  cold  vinegar  and  water,  or  a  strong  solution 
of  white  vitriol  or  slum,  frequently  to  the  fundi^raent, 
or  anoint  the  part  with  the  hasmorrhoidal  ointment,  (see 


i 


350  Dysentery^  or  Bloody  Flux, 

Recipe  66,)  and  endeavour  to  restore  the  tone  of  the 
vessels  by  the  use  of  bark,  columbo,  or  steel. 

DYSENTERY,  OR  BLOODY  FLUX. 

Symptoms.  A  discharge  of  mucus  by  stool  often 
bloody — violent  gripings— ^pain  in  the  loins — a  t  onstant 
inclination  to  go  to  stool,  widiout  being  able  to  void  any 
thing;  and  sometimes  fever. 

Causes.  Putrid  air  and  aliment — green  fruit — strong 
cathartics — obstructed  perspiration,  and  whatever  in- 
creases the  natural  irritability  of  the  intestines. 

Treatment.  To  conduct  the  patient  safely  through 
this  disease,  the  bowels  should  be  evacuated  by  calo- 
mel, castor  oil  or  the  cathartic  mixture;  (see  Recipe  1 1,) 
and  if  the  patient  be  of  an  inflammatory  disposition,  or 
there  be  febrile  symptoms,  blood-letting  will  also  be 
required.  After  the  acrid  contents  of  the  stomach  and 
intestines  have  been  evacuated,  the  anodyne  sudorific 
bolus  or  draught  (see  Recipe  20  and  18)  may  be  given 
at  lied  time:  and  on  the  following  day,  if  there  be  no 
evacuation  of  a  natural  appearance,  one  or  other  of  the 
above  aperient  medicines  must  be  exhibited  in  small 
doses,  until  the  desired  effect  is  obtained. 

To  produce  a  natural  evacuation  duily,  is  a  circum- 
stance of  the  greatest  importance  in  this  disease,  and 
should  at  all  times  be  kept  in  view.  To  neglect  this, 
as  my  good  old  friend,  Doctor  Henry  Stevenson  of  Bal- 
timore, used  often  to  say,  would  be  like  "  Locking  the 
thief  in  the  house  to  do  all  the  mischief  he  could.'' ^  It 
is  sometimes  proper,  mstead  of  bleeding  to  give  an 
emetic  in  the  beginning  of  the  disease,  to  persons  of 
w^eak  habits;  but  where  there  is  a  great  degree  of  irri- 
tability of  the  stomach,  or  obstructions  of  the  liver, 
vomiring  will  do  more  harm  than  good. 

When  the  dibcase  is  epidemic,  after  having  premised 
the  necessary  evacuations,  calomel  is  most  to  be  de- 
pended on,  in  doses  of  four  or  five  grains,  combined 


Dysentery^  or  Bloody  Flux.  351 

with  the  anodyne  sudorific  bolus,  or  with  one  or  two 
grains  of  opium  alone,  exhibited  every  nijjjht.  And 
when  the  calomel  does  not  produce  a  natural  evacua- 
tion, it  is  always  proper  to  give  a  small  dose  of  castor 
oil,  or  one  or  two  wine-glasses  of  the  cathartic  mix- 
ture (see  Recipe  11)  every  morning,  until  the  disease 
begins  to  yield. 

If  acidity  prevails  in  the  stomach  and  intestines,  as 
marked  by  oppression,  heat,  sour  belching  and  vomit- 
ing, and  excoriations  about  the  fundament,  besides  a 
liberal  use  of  mucilagmous  and  sheathing  drinks,  a 
wine-glassful  of  the  absorbent  mixture,  (see  Recipe  8,) 
or  a  spoonful  or  two  of  new  milk  and  lime  water, 
should  be  given  every  two  or  three  hours.  Frequent 
injections  of  flaxseed  tea  or  barley  water  with  a  table- 
spoonful  of  laudanum  are  of  infinite  service  when  the 
pain  in  the  bowels  and  tenesmus  are  distressing. 

In  obstinate  cases,  or  when  there  is  the  least  ap- 
prehension of  an  inflammation  of  the  bowels,  the  warm 
bath  or  local  fomentation  to  the  belly,  and  afiewards  a 
blister,  are  indispensable.  Cupping  here  is  also  useful. 
At  the  close  of  the  disease,  or  when  it  indicates  symp- 
toms of  a  putrid  nature,  the  infusion  of  bark  or  co- 
lumbo  is  particularly  useful,  with  wine;  an^  rhubarb 
may  be  administered  as  a  purge. 

Doctor  Mosely  of  Jamaica,  states,  that  in  chronic 
dysentery,  unattended  with  fever,  there  is  not  a  more 
efficacious  medicine  than  the  vitriolic  solution,  (see 
Recipe  7)  in  doses  of  a  table-spoonful  every  morning, 
with  an  opiate  at  bed  time. 

In  preparing  this  solution,  the  proportion  of  either 
the  vitriol  or  alum  may  be  increased  or  diminished 
according  to  circumstances;  that  is,  when  evacuations 
are  required,  the  quantity  of  alum  may  be  dimanished, 
or  entirely  omitted,  and  when  great  astringency  is  re- 
quired, the  quantity  of  alum  is  to  be  increased  and  the 
vitriol  diminished. 

Another  simple,  though  efficacious  remedy  in  this 
.  disease,  is  a  solution  of  common  salt  in  vinegar  or  le- 
mon juice,  termed  antidysenteric  mixture,  (See  Recipe 


552 


Apoplectic- Fits. 


10.)  This  medicine  has  also  been  strongly  recom- 
mended in  bilious  fever  or  putrid  sore  throat,  when  the 
bowels  are  in  an  irritable  state.  Dewberry  is  like*vise 
a  valuable  medicine  in  this  distressing  disease.  (See 
Materia  Medica.) 

b 

Regimen.  In  the  violence  of  this  disease,  the  diet 
should  consist  only  of  arrow  root,  sago,  panado,  or 
gruel,  and  the  drinks  of  a  cooling  and  sheathing  nature, 
as  barley  or  rice  w^ater,  flaxseed  tea,  or  mucilage  of 
gum  arable.  But  when  the  disease  has  existed  some 
time,  the  diet  should  be  more  nourishing,  particularly 
if  the  patient  has  been  weakened  by  preceding  disease, 
or  is  either  of  a  tender  or  an  advanced  age.  Oranges, 
and  whatever  ripe  fruit  the  season  affords,  may  be  al- 
lowed. 

The  room  should  be  constantly  fumigated  with  vine- 
gar, and  well  ventik^ted.  The  clothing  as  well  as  the 
bedding  ought  to  be  often  renewed,  and  all  offensive 
odoqrs^  particularly  the  feces,  should  be  removed  as 
speedily  as  possible. 

Prevention.  The  same  means  of  prevention  are 
here  to  be  used,  as  under  the  head  of  bilious  fever;  and 
as  this  disease  becomes  infectious,  like  autumnal  fevers 
do,  by  neglect  of  cleanliness,  its  further  progress  through 
the  medium  of  bad  air,  maybe  checked  by  attending  to 
the  mode  of  purifying  that  element,  prescribed  under 
the  head  of  nervous  fever. 

APOPLECTICFITS. 

Symptoms.  Sudden  falling  to  the  ground,  with  a 
deprivation  of  sense  and  motion,  attended  by  deep  sleep 
and  noisy  breathing;  the  circulation  remaining  unim- 
paired. 

Causes.  Plethora — hard  drinking — too  large  doses 
of  opium-— blows — tight  neck-cloths,  or  whatever  in- 
terrupts the  return  of  the  blood  from  the  head. 


Apoplectic- Fits,  353 

Treatment.  In  the  cure  of  a  disease  threatening 
such  sudden  fatality,  remedies  must  be  speedily  em- 
ployed. The  patient's  head  should  instantly  be  raised 
and  supported;  and  he  be  placed  in  a  situation  where  he 
can  respire  a  cool  air.  He  is  to  be  bled  most  copiously 
to  the  amount  of  a  quart  or  more,  and  this  must  be  re- 
peated after  a  short  time  if  he  is  not  relieved,  especially 
if  the  disease  occur  in  a  person  of  robust  and  plethoric 
habit.  Cup  also  on  the  temples.  Brisk  purges  are  next 
to  be  administered,  and  when  these  cannot  be  swallow- 
ed, the  most  stimulating  injections  should  be  thrown  up. 

Where  the  disease  depends  rather  on  a  depletion  of 
the  blood  vessels  than  on  too  great  fulness,  which  may 
be  known  by  its  attacking  old  people  of  debilitated 
habits;  bleeding  is  sparingly  to  be  resorted  to,  particu» 
larly  if  the  countenance  appears  to  be  sunk  and  palid. 
In  these  cases  the  patient  ought  to  be  laid  on  a  bed, 
with  his  head  elevated,  and  turned  every  hour;  glysters 
are  then  to  be  given,  and  as  soon  as  liquids  can  be  swal- 
lowed, the  contents  of  the  stomach  and  bowels  should 
be  evacuated  by  a  brisk  purge. 

Sinapisms  and  blisters  to  the  extremities  should  not 
be  neglected.  But  searing  the  soles  of  the  feet  with  a 
hot  iron,  will  more  certainly  and  suddenly  rouse  the 
torpid  system. 

*  Regimen.  The  diet  should  be  of  the  lowest  kind, 
consisting  principally  for  several  days  after  the  attack, 
of  diluent  drinks;  such  as  rice  or  barley  water,  tamarind 
water,  flaxseed  tea,  &c.  * 

Prevention.  In  full  habits,  let  the  diet  be  light 
and  sparing,  and  the  bowels  kept  open.  In  debilitated 
habits,  the  diet  should  be  more  nourishing,  and  the 
strengthening  medicines,  as  bark,  steel,  &c.  employed 
to  give  tone  to  the  vessels. 


354 


EPILEPTIC-FITS. 

Symptoms.  The  patient  falls  suddenly  with  a  de- 
privation of  sense;  while  the  muscles  of  the  face  and 
every  part  of  the  body  are  violently  convulsed. 

Causes.  Excessive  drinking — sudden  stoppage  of 
the  courses — severe  fright — injuries  of  the  head — teeth- 
ing in  children — and  irritation  from  worms  in  the  sto- 
mach and  intestines. 

Treatment.  To  prevent  the  patient  from  injuring 
himself  by  the  violence  of  his  struggles,  he  ought  im- 
mediately to  be  placed  on  a  bed.  The  clothing  should 
be  every  where  loosened,  and  the  head  moderately  ele- 
vated. A  slip  of  wood  should  be  placed  between  the 
jaws  to  prevent  their  closing  on  the  tongue,  and  nothing 
is  to  be  administered  in  a  glass  vessel.  Should  it  appear" 
that  the  patient  has  been  drinking  too  freely  of  spiritu- 
ous liquors,  or  has  loaded  his  stomach  with  indigestible 
matter,  a  strong  emetic  should  be  immediately  given, 
which,  by  cleansing  the  stomach,  will  often  terminate 
the  paroxysm. 

If  suppressed  evacuations  are  the  cause,  they  must 
be  re-excited  by  such  means  as  are  calculated  to  restore 
the  course  of  nature.  If  the  patient  complain  of  pain  in 
the  head,  a  seton  in  the  nape  of  the  neck  should  not  be 
omitted.  If  worms  be  the  fault,  which  may  be  known 
by  an  offensive  breath  and  irregular  appetite,  they  must 
be  removed  before  a  radical  cure  can  be  effected. 

Sometimes  an  epileptic  fit  is  preceded  by  an  uneasy 
sensation  in  some  of  the  limbs  or  trunk  of  the  body, 
creeping  upwards  to  the  head.  In  this  case,  the  fit  will 
be  prevented  by  applying  a  ligature  above  the  part  so 
affected. 

Many  cases  have  occurred,  in  which  this  disease  has 
been  cured  with  the  sugar  of  lead,  particularly  under 
the  age  of  maturity.  It  should  be  commenced  in  small 
doses,  beginning  with  one  fourth  of  a  grain,  for  a  half 


Fainting- Fits.  355 

grown  person,  and  gradually  increased  to  two  grains  or 
more,  thrice  a-day,  made  into  pills  with  the  crumbs  of 
bread.  If  from  using  this  medicine  the  bowels  are  dis- 
ordered, it  should  be  laid  aside  until  relief  is  obtained 
by  the  use  of  the  warm  bath,  mild  laxatives,  and  opium 
in  more  than  usual  doses.  A  small  portion  of  opium 
combined  with  the  lead,  will  generally  obviate  or  correct 
its  unpleasant  operation. 

The  good  effects  of  nitrate  of  silver,  commonly  called 
lunar  caustic,  liave  also  been  attested  by  eminent  phy- 
sicians, in  doses  from  one  fourth,  very  gradually  in- 
creased to  a  grain,  twice  a-day,  made  into  pills  with 
bread.  The  flowers  of  zinc  have  likewise  been  highly 
spoken  of,  and  are  said  to  have  performed  permanent 
cures,  in  doses  of  six  or  eight  grains  morning  and 
night. 

The  herb  cardamine  or  ladies  smock,  has  been  pre- 
scribed with  advantage,  and  may  be  taken  to  the  extent 
of  a  drachm  three  or  four  times  a-day. 

As  there  is  incontrovertible  evidence,  that  these  me- 
dicines  have  succeeded  in  certain  cases,  they  are  all  de- 
serving  of  a  fair  trial,  particularly  in  the  treatment  of  a 
disease  in  which  no  plausible  remedy  should  be  left  un- 
tried. 

FAINTING-FITS. 

Symptoms.  The  pulse  and  respiration  suddenly  be- 
comes exceedingly  feeble,  insomuch  at  times,  as  to 
create  a  fear  of  the  total  extinction  of  life. 

Causes.  Fright — long  fasting — large  evacuations — 
debility,  &c.  ♦ 

Treatment.  The  patient  should  be  placed  in  a  re- 
clining posture,  and  every  part  of  the  clothing  which 
by  its  tightness  is  likely  to  interrupt  the  free  circulation 
of  blood,  must  be  immediately  loosened.  The  doors 
and  windows  of  the  room,  especially  if  the  weather  be 
warm,  should  be  kept  open,  and  no  more  persons  ad- 


356  Hysteric- Fits, 

mitted  than  are  necessary  to  give  assistance;  and  these 
should  not  prevent  the  free  access  of  the  air  to  the 
patient. 

Sprinkle  flie  face  with  cold  water  or  vinegar,  and 
apply  volatiles,  burnt  linen  or  feathers  to  the  nostrils; 
and  that  the  stimulus  may  with  more  certainty  be  in- 
haled, the  patient  should  be  kept  from  breathing  through 
the  mouth,  by  holding  a  handkerchief  forcibly  against 
it,  taking  care,  however,  to  leave  the  nostrils  perfectly 
free. 

HYSTERIC-FITS. 

This  disease  more  frequently  occurs  in  the  unmar- 
ried or  barren  woman,  and  those  who  lead  a  sedentary 
life.  It  very  seldom  appears  before  the  age  of  puberty, 
or  af^tr  the  age  of  thirty-five  years.  The  lime  at  which 
it  mo>t  readily  occurs,  is  that  of  the  menstrual  period. 

It  generally  commences  with  universal  languor  and 
coldness  of  the  extremities.  The  colour  of  the  face  is 
variable,  being  sometimes  flushed  and  sometimes  pale. 
The  pulse  becomes  unequal  and  obscure.  The  stomach 
is  sometimes  affected  with  vomitings,  the  lungs  with 
difliculty  of  breathing,  and  the  heart  with  palpitations. 
A  painful  sensation  is  often  felt,  like  that  of  a  globe  or 
a  ball  in  the  left  side  of  the  belly,  advancing  upwards, 
and  producing  the  same  uneasiness  in  the  stomach,  from 
wliich  it  rises  in  the  throat,  occasioning  by  its  pressure, 
a  sense  of  suffocation;  when  a  degree  of  fainting  comes 
on,  and  certain  convulsive  motions  take  place,  agita- 
ting the  trunk  of  the  body  and  limbs  in  various  ways; 
after  which,  alternate  fits  of  laughter  and  crying  occur, 
and  a  remission  then  ensues.  In  some  patients,  a  vio- 
lent beating  pain  takes  place  in  some  part  of  the  head, 
as  if  a  nail  was  driving  into  it.  Sharp  pains,  likewise, 
attack  the  loins,  back  and  bladder,  and  the  patient 
makes  an  unusual  quantity  of  urine  as  limpid  as  water; 
which  is  one  of  the  most  characteristic  signs  of  the  dis- 
ease. ' 

The  appearances  which  take  place  in  this  affection, 


Hysteric -Fits, 


357 


are  considerably  varied  in  different  persons,  and  even 
in  the  same  persons  at  different  tiuics.  It  differs  by 
having  more  or  fewer  of  those  circumstances  above 
mentioned;  by  these  circumstances  being  more  or  kss 
violent;  and  by  the  different  duration  of  the  whole  fit. 

If  the  patient  be  young  and  of  a  plethoric  habit, 
blood-letting  will  be  required  during  the  fir;  but  in  de- 
licate constitutions  this  operation  is  not  advisable.  Vo- 
latiles,  singed  feathers,  and  the  like,  should  be  applied 
to  the  nostrils;  and  if  the  patient  can  swallow,  a  tta- 
spoonful  of  aether,  or  tincture  of  assafoetida,  or  thirty  or 
forty  drops  of  laudanum  may  *be  given  in  a  glass  of 
cold  water,  and  repeated  in  a  couple  of  hours  or  sooner 
if  necessary.  Clysters  of  gruel,  to  which  have  been 
added  a  tea- spoonful  or  two  of  laudanum,  will  also  have 
a  good  effect.  The  feet  and  legs  should  as  soon  as  pos- 
sible be  put  into  warm  water,  and  well  rubbed  with 
the  hand.  Cold  water  sprinkled  on  the  face,  and  the  ad- 
mission of  cool  air  in  the  room,  are  likewise  proper 
auxiliaries. 

During  the  intermission  of  the  fit,  the  nervous  sys- 
tem should  be  strengthened  to  prevent  a  recurrence,  by 
the  tonic  powders,  pills,  or  drops  (see  Recipe  4,  23 
and  19)  in  their  usual  doses,  after  having  administered 
some  purgative  medicine.  Upon  the  approach  of  any 
languor,  the  patient  should  instantly  take  a  glass  of 
wine,  or  a  tea-spoonful  of  lavender,  or  ten  or  twelve 
drops  of  laudanum  in  a  glass  of  cold  water. 

Regimen.  An  attention  to  diet  is  highly  proper  for 
the  removal  of  this  disease.  A  milk  and  vegetable  diet 
duly  persisted  in,  will  have  the  most  salutary  effect, 
especially  in  sanguine  constitutions.  The  best  drink 
after  dinner  is  water  with  the  addition  of  a  little  good 
wine,  or  a  smaller  quantity  of  old  spirits. 

Tea  should  be  prohibited  altogether,  or  used  sparing- 
ly. Moderate  exercise,  particularly  riding  on  horseback, 
is  of  the  greatest  service,  as  are  likewise  amusements 
and  cheerful  company* 


358 


PALSY. 

Is  a  disease  consisting  in  a  loss  of  the  power  of  vo- 
luntary motion,  but  affecting  certain  parts  of  the  body 
only,  and  by  this  it  is  distinguished  from  apoplexy.  In 
the  most  violent  degrees  of  palsy,  the  patient  loses  both 
the  power  of  motion,  and  sense  of  feeling,  either  of  one 
side,  or  the  lower  half  of  the  body.  The  first  is  termed 
hemiplegia^  the  latter  paraplegia.  When  it  affects  any 
particular  parts  only,  as  the  tongue,  the  lip,  eyelid,  &c. 
it  is  termed  a  local  palsy. 

Symptoms.  If  this  disease  be  not  the  effect  of  apo- 
plexy,  it  is  often  preceded  by  universal  torpor,  giddi- 
ness, a  sense  of  weight  or  uneasiness  in  the  head,  dul- 
ness  of  compression,  loss  of  memory,  and  a  sense  of 
coldness  in  the  part  about  to  be  afiected;  there  is  also, 
sometimes,  tremor,  creeping,  and  pain  in  the  part. 

Causes.  Compression  of  the  brain  from  any  of  the 
causes  inducing  apoplexy — certain  poisons  received  into 
the  body,  as  lead,  arsenic,  Sec. — injuries  done  the  spinal 
marrow.  It  is  also  produced  in  consequence  of  extreme 
debility,  and  old  age. 

Treatment.  If  palsy  arises  from  the  causes  pro- 
ducing apoplexy,  it  must  necessarily  be  treated  in  the 
manner  recommended  for  the  cure  of  that  disease,  by 
bleeding  copiously  in  full  habits,  and  keeping  the 
bowels  in  a  laxative  state  for  many  days. 

When  it  arises  from  diminished  energy  of  the  ner- 
vous system,  both  internal  and  external  stimulants  are 
required.  In  this  state,  a  table-spoonful  of  horse  radish 
scraped,  or  the  same  quantity  of  mustard-seed  swal- 
lowed three  or  four  times  a- day,  will  have  a  good  ef- 
fect. The  volatile  alkali  is  also  of  infinite  service  in 
large  doses.  At  the  some  time  external  stimulants  must 
be  duly  attended  to,  such  as  dry  frictions  over  the  part 
affected,  with  a  flesh  brush  or  rough  cloths,  and  the 


Hypochondriac  Disease.  359 


flower  of  mustard,  or  flannels  impregnated  with  the  oil 
of  turpentine,  volatile  liniment,  or  oil  of  sassafras,  to 
which  should  be  added  some  of  the  tincture  of  cantha- 
rides.  Stimulating  the  part  with  nettles  has  produced 
good  effects,  as  well  as  electricity,  particularly  in  local 
palsies.  A  seton  in  the  neck,  particularly  if  the  patient 
is  affected  with  giddiness,  will  afford  considerable  re- 
lief, and  should  not  be  neglected.  Cases  of  palsy  have 
been  cured  by  a  salivation. 

If  the  disease  is  in  consequence  of  a  curvature  in  the 
back  bone,  compressing  the  spinal  marrow,  a  perpetual 
blister  or  issue  over  the  part  affected,  or  on  each  side  of 
the  diseased  portion  of  the  bone,  is  the  only  remedy. 
A  local  palsy,  particularly  when  it  is  confined  to  one 
muscle,  will  generally  yield  to  the  application  of  a  blis- 
ter as  near  to  the  part  affected  as  possible. 

Regimen.  In  plethoric  habits  the  diet  should  be  of 
the  lightest  kind;  but  quite  the  contrary  in  debilitated 
habits.  In  such  cases  the  diet  should  be  warm  and 
strengthening,  seasoned  with  spices  and  aromatic  in- 
gredients, and  the  drink  must  be  generous  wine,  mus- 
tard whey,  ginger  tea,  or  brandy  and  water.  Flannel 
worn  next  the  skin  is  peculiarly  proper,  so  is  regular 
exercise,  when  not  carried  to  fatigue,  or  used  in  a  cold 
damp  air. 

HYPOCHONDRIAC  DISEASE, 

f  Commonly  called  Vapours^  or  Low  Spirits.  J 

This  complaint  chiefly  occurs  in  the  male,  and  that 
at  advanced  life;  and  it  is  confined,  for  the  most  part, 
to  persons  of  a  sedentary  or  studious  disposition;  espe- 
cially such  as  have  indulged  grief  or  anxiety. 

Symptoms.  Languor,  listlessness,  or  want  of  reso- 
lution and  activity,  with  respect  to  all  undertakings— 
a  disposhion  to  seriousness,  sadness,  and  timidity  as 
to  all  future  events — an  apprehension  of  the  worst  or 
most  unhappv  state  of  them,  and  therefore  often,  on 


360  Hypochondriac  Disease* 


slight  ground,  a  dre  d  of  great  evil.  Such  persons  are 
particularly  aiientive  to  the  state  of  their  own  healrh. 
and  to  the  smallest  change  of  feeling  in  their  bodies; 
from  any  unusual  sensation,  perhaps  of  the  slightest 
kind,  they  apprehend  great  danger,  and  even  death 
itself;  and,  in  respect  to  all  their  feelings  and  apprehen- 
sions, there  is,  for  the  most  part,  unfortunately,  the 
most  obstinate  belief  and  persuasion. 

This  diseased  state  of  mind,  is  sometimes  attended 
with  symptoms  of  indigestion,  hysterical  affections,  and 
sometimes  with  melancholy;  but  these  are  merely  ef- 
fects. 

Causes.  Indolence — violent  passions  of  the  mind 
- — the  suppression  of  customary  evacuations — obstruc- 
tions of  some  of  the  viscera,  &.C.;  but  its  immediate 
cause  appears  to  be  a  loss  of  energy  in  the  brain,  or  tor- 
pid state  of  the  nervous  system.  It  would  appear,  how^ 
ever,  that  these  complaints  proceed  from  an  original 
affection  of  the  stomach. 

Treatment.  The  cure  of  this  disease  seems  to  de- 
pend on  exciting  the  nervous  energy  which  is  depress- 
ed, and  that  particularly  by  attending  to  the  state  of 
mind. 

A  constant  state  of  motion  should  therefore  be  ad- 
vised, especially  by  riding  on  horseback,  and  making 
long  journies  which  presents  new  objects  to  the  view. 

Nothing  is  more  pernicious  in  this  disease,  than  idle- 
ness; but  in  avoiding  it,  all  application  to  former  stu- 
dies, are  to  be  prevented.  The  present  emotions  must 
be  favoured  and  indulged;  and  though  an  attempt 
should  be  made  to  withdraw  the  attention  of  such  pa- 
tients from  themselves,  yet  their  confidence  ought  first 
to  be  gained;  and  since  the  persuasion  of  their  own 
opinion  is  strong,  and  the  infallibility  of  their  own 
fears  and  sensations  rooted,  however  absurb  thece  may 
be,  they  require  a  very  nice  management,*  Raillery 


*  Some  Hypochondriacs  have  fancied  themselves  miserably 


Hypochondriac  Disease. 


361 


must  never  be  attempted.  From  this  supposed  bodily 
affection,  the  mind  should  be  diverted  by  employments 
suitable  to  the  circumstances  and  situation  in  life,  and 

afflicted  in  one  ^vay,  and  some  in  another — some  have  insisted 
that  they  were  tea  pots,  and  some  that  they  were  town  clocks— 
This  that  he  liad  a  big  belly,  and  that  his  glass  legs — one  that  he 
was  extremely  ill,  and  another  that  he  was  actually  dying.  But  I 
have  never  heard  of  any  of  this  blue-devil  class,  whose  extrava- 
gance ever  yet  came  up  to  the  following,  which  was  related  to 
me  by  my  noble  hearted  old  friend,  the  late  Dr.  Stevenson,  of 
Baltimore,  whose  very  name  always  sounds  in  my  ears,  as  the 
summary  of  every  manly  virtue. 

This  Hypochondriac,  who  by  the  bye  was  a  patient  of  Dr.  Ste- 
venson, after  ringing  the  change  on  every  mad  conceit  that  ever 
tormented  a  crazy  brain,  would  have  it  at  last  that  he  was  dead,  ac- 
tually dead.  Dr.  Stevenson  having  been  sent  for  one  morning  in 
great  haste,  by  the  wife  of  his  patient,  hastened  to  his  bed  side, 
where  he  found  him  stretched  out  at  full  length,  his  hands  across 
his  breast,  his  great  toes  in  contact,  his  eyes  and  mouth  closely- 
shut,  and  his  looks  cadaverous. 

Well,  Sir,  how  do  you  do?  how  do  you  do  this  morning?  asked 
Dr.  Stevenson,  in  his  blustering  jocular  way,  approaching  his 
bed.  "  How  do  I  do,"  replied  the  Hypochondriac  faintly — "  a 
pretty  question  to  ask  a  dead  mam"  "  Dead!"  replied  the  Doc- 
tor. "  Yes,  Sir,  dead,  quite  dead.  I  died  last  night  about  twelve 
o'clock." 

Quick  as  lightening  Dr.  Stevenson  caught  his  cue,  which  was 
to  strike  him  on  the  string  of  his  character,  on  which  the  Doctor 
happily  recollected  he  was  very  tender.  Having  gently  put  his 
hand  on  the  forehead  of  the  Hypochondriac,  as  if  to  ascertain 
whether  it  was  cold,  and  also  felt  his  pulse,  he  exclaimed  in  a 
doleful  note,  "  Yes,  the  poor  man  is  dead  enough — it  is  all  over 
with  him,  and  now  the  sooner  he  can  be  buried  the  better."  Then 
stepping  up  to  his  wife,  and  whispering  her  not  be  frightened  at 
the  measures  he  was  about  to  take,  he  called  to  the  servant, 
"  My  boy,  your  poor  master  is  dead.  And  the  sooner  he  can  be  put 
in  the  ground  the  better.  Run  to  Mr.  C — m,  for  I  know  he  always 
keeps  New  England  coffins  by  him  ready  made,  and  do  you  hear, 
bring  a  coffin  of  the  largest  size,  for  your  master  makes  a  stout 
corpse,  and  having  died  last  night,  and  the  weather  warm,  he  will 
soon  begin  to  smell." 

Away  went  the  servant,  and  soon  returned  with  a  proper  cof- 
fin. The  wife  and  family  having  got  their  lesson  from  the  Doctor, 
gatli-ired  around  him,  and  howled  no  little,  while  they  were  put- 
ting (he  body  in  the  coffin — Presently  the  pall-bearers  who  were 
quickly  provided  and  let  into  the  secret,  started  with  the  Hypo- 
chondriac for  the  church-yard.  They  had  not  gone  far  before  they 
were  met  by  one  of  the  towns-people,  who  having  been  properly 

2  Z 


362 


Hypochondriac  Disease, 


unattended  with  niuch  emotion,  anxiety,  or  fatigue. 
Company  which  engages  attention,  and  is  at  the  same 
time  of  a  cheerful  kind,  will  always  be  found  of  great 

drilled  by  the  facetious  Stevenson,  cried  out,  "  Ah  Doctorl  what 
poor  soui  have  you  got  iheref" 

Poor  Mr  B  sighed  the  Doctor — "  left  us  last  night." 

"  Great  pity  he  had  not  left  us  twenty  years  ago,**  replied  the 
other,    for  he  was  a  bad  man.** 

Presently  anothei  of  the  towns-men  met  them  with  the  same 
question.     \nd  what  poor  soul  have  you  goi  there  Doctor?** 

"  Poor  Mr.  B  ,"  answered  the  Doctor  again,  "  is  dead.** 

Ahl  indeedl"  said  the  other.  "  And  so  the  devil  has  got  his 
own  ai  last. 

"  Oh  villain!'*  exclaimed  the  man  in  the  coffin,  "  if  I  was  not 
DEAD,  how  1  would  pay  you  for  that.** 

Soon  after  this,  while  the  pall-bearers  were  resting  themselves 
near  the  church-yard,  another  one  stepped  up  with  the  old  ques- 
tion again,  what  poor  soul  have  you  got  there  Doctor?"  "  Poor 
Mr.  B  he  replied,  "  is  gone.'* 

"  Yes,  and  to  h — 11,  said  the  other,  for  if  he  is  not  gone  there, 
I  see  not  what  use  there  is  for  such  a  place.'*  Here  the  dead  man 
bursting  off  the  lid  of  the  coffin,  which  had  been  purposely  left 
loose,  leapt  out  exclaiming,."  Oh,  you  villain!  I  am  gone  to  h — II, 
am  1! — Well,  1  have  come  back  again  to  pay  such  ungrateful 
rascals  as  you  are."  A  race  was  immediately  commenced  between 
the  dead  man  and  the  living,  to  the  petrifying  consternation  of 
many  of  the  spectators,  at  sight  of  a  corpse,  bursting  from  the  cof- 
fin, and  in  all  the  horrors  of  the  winding  sheet,  racing  through  the 
streets.  After  having  exercised  himself  in  a  copious  perspiration 
by  this  fantastic  chace,  the  Hypochondriac  v/as  brought  home  by 
Dr.  Stevenson,  freed  of  all  his  complaints.  And  by  strengthen- 
ing food,  generous  wine,  cheerful  company,  and  moderate  exer- 
cise, was  soon  restored  to  perfect  health. 

To  demonstrate  further,  the  happy  effects  of  possessing  quick 
wit,  "  to  shoot  lolly  as  it  flies."  I  will  cite  another  case  of  Hy- 
pochondriasm,  which  came  under  the  care  of  that  Philanthropic 
and  learned  physician,  the  late  Doctor  Crawford,  of  Baltimore,  who 
in  every  thing  amiable  and  good,  was  not  unlike  his  intimate 
friend,  Doctor  Stevenson. 

A  certain  Hypochondriac,  who  for  a  long  time  fancied  himself 
dying  of  a  liver  complaint,  was  advised  by  Dr.  Crawford,  to  make 
a  journey  to  the  state  of  Ohio.  After  an  excursion  of  three  months 
he  returned  home,  apparently  in  good  health:  but  upon  receiving 
information  of  the  death  of  a  twin  brother  who  had  actually  died 
of  a  schirrhus  liver,  he  immediately  took  the  staggers,  and  fall- 
ing down  roared  out  that  he  was  dead,  and  had,  as  he  always  ex- 
pected, died  of  a  liver  complaint.  Dr.  Crawford  being  sent  for, 
immediately  attended,  and  asked  the  Hypochondriac  how  he  couW 


Hypochondriac  Disease. 


363 


service.  The  occasional  reading  of  entertaining  books, 
or  playing  at  any  game,  in  which  some  skill  is  required, 
and  where  the  stake  is  not  an  object  of  much  anxiety, 
if  not  too  long  protracted,  will  further  assist  in  diverting 
the  mind  from  itself. 

The  symptoms  of  indigestion,  and  hysteric  com- 
plaints, that  so  frequently  attend  this  state  of  mind,  al- 
though the  effect,  rather  than  the  cause,  are  objects  of 
practice;  inasmuch  as  they  tend  to  aggravate  and  real- 
ize the  false  apprehensions  of  the  patient.  These  se- 
condary affections  require  the  same  mode  of  treatment 
as  recommended  for  indigestion  and  the  hysteric  dis- 
ease. The  warm  bath  is  peculiarly  beneficial  in  this 
complaint,  and  when  the  system  becomes  somewhat 
invigorated,  the  cold  bath  may  be  employed  with  ad- 
vantage, provided  there  exists  no  obstructions  in  the 
bowels, — From  an  acid  acrimony  generally  prevailing 
in  the  stomach,  the  rust  of  steel,  or  filings  of  iron  in 
doses  of  ten  grains  thrice  a-day,  is  the  most  salutary 
medicine  of  all  the  tonics.  Magnesia  and  lime  water 
are  useful  on  the  same  account. 

Regimen.  A  proper  diet  constitutes  an  essential 
part,  in  the  treatment  of  this  malady.  In  general,  light 
animal  food  is  what  alone  agrees  with  such  patients; 
for  there  are  few,  if  any  vegetables,  which  do  not  prove 

be  dead,  seeing  he  could  talk.  But  still  he  would  have  it  that  he 
was  actually  dead.  Whereupon  the  sagacious  Doctor  exclaimed, 
"  O  yes,  the  gentleman  is  certaily  dead,  and  it  is  more  than  pro- 
bable, his  liver  was  the  death  of  him.  However,  to  ascertain  the 
fact,  I  will  hasten  to  cut  him  open  before  putrefaction  takes  place." 
—And  thereupon  getting  a  carving  knife,  and  wheting  it  as  a 
butcher  would  to  open  a  dead  calf,  he  stepped  up  to  him  and  be- 
gan to  open  his  waistcoat,  when  the  Hypochondriac,  horribly- 
frightened,  leaped  up  with  the  agility  of  a  rabbit,  and  crying  out 
"  Murderl  Murderl  Murderl"  ran  off  with  a  speed  that  would 
have  defied  a  score  of  Doctors  to  catch  him.  After  running  a  con- 
siderable distance,  until  he  was  almost  exhausted,  he  halted;  and 
not  finding  the  Doctor  at  his  heels,  soon  became  composed.  From 
that  period  this  gentleman  was  never  known  to  complain  of  his 
liver;  nor  had  he  for  better  than  twenty  years  afterwards  any 
symptom  of  this  disease. 


364 


Cramp, 


flatulent  in  their  bowels.  Acids  are  particularly  inju- 
rious. All  malt  liquors,  except  porter,  are  apt  to  excite 
too  high  a  fermentation  in  the  stomach;  and  wines,  for 
the  most  part,  arc  liable  to  the  same  objections.  If  an 
exception  can  be  made  in  favour  of  any,  it  is  good  old 
Madeira,  if  it  can  be  obtained,  which  not  only  promotes 
digestion,  and  invigorates  the  concoctive  powers,  but 
acts,  immediately,  as  a  generous  and  wholesome  cor- 
dial. The  use  of  spirituous  liquors  is  not  to  be  recom- 
mended as  a  habitual  resource,  though  they  may  be 
taken  occasionally,  in  a  moderate  quantity,  diluted  with 
water.  Tea  and  coffee,  though  hurtful  to  people  with 
bad  digestion,  are  often  useful,  however,  to  the  hypo- 
chondriac. Moderate  exercise  we  have  already  obser- 
ved, is  indispensible  in  the  cure  of  this  complaint;  and 
it  cannot  be  taken  any  way  with  so  much  advantage,  as 
in  long  journies,  when  convenient,  accompanied  with 
such  circumstances,  as  may  convert  them  into  an  agree- 
able  amusement. 

CRAMP. 

A  PAINFUL  spasm  of  the  calf  of  the  leg  or  muscles 
of  the  toes,  and  sometimes  of  the  stomach. 

Causes.  Sudden  stretching  of  the  limbs — advanced 
pregnancy — acidity — indigestion,  &;c. 

Treatment.  A  cramp  of  the  calf  of  the  leg  is  best 
relieved  by  standing  up,  which  simple  act,  by  throwing 
the  weight  of  the  body  on  the  toes,  forcibly  extends  die 
muscles,  and  thus  takes  off  the  spasm.  If  the  cramp 
arises  from  acidity  or  indigestion,  give  every  night  a 
pill  composed  of  half  a  grain  of  opium,  with  six  grains 
each,  of  rhubarb  and  prepared  chalk,  and  administer 
ten  grains  of  the  rust  of  steel,  morning  and  noon. 

A  cramp  of  the  stomach  is  best  treated  by  an  infu- 
sion of  red  pepper,  (see  Materia  Medica,)  or  a  large 
dose  of  aether  or  laudanum,  accompanied  with  friction 
on  the  part,  either  by  a  flesh  brush,  or  flannel.  When 


Tetany y  or  Locked  Jaw,  365 

these  fail,  a  very  copious  bleeding  will  sometimes  re- 
move the  spasm,  after  which  the  patient  must  be 
purged. 

Persons  subject  to  the  cramp  in  the  leg,  may  prevent 
it  by  wearing  stockings  in  bed,  and  occasionally  rub- 
bing the  part  with  camphorated  oil.  According  to  vul- 
gar authority,  sulphur  grasped  in  the  hand,  is  good  to 
cure,  and  carried  in  the  pocket  to  prevent  cramp. 

TETANY,  OR  LOCKED  JAW. 

Symptoms.  A  rigid  and  painful  contraction  of  all 
or  several  of  the  muscles.  Its  first  symptoms  is  a  stiff- 
ness in  the  back  of  the  neck,  increasing  to  pain,  ex- 
tending next  to  the  root  of  the  tongue,  then  shooting 
into  the  breast,  and  lastly  seizing  the  back. 

Causes.  Wounds  of  the  head,  or  extremities — and 
punctures  of  the  slightest  kind,  as  running  a  splinter 
under  the  nail,  or  into  the  toe  or  finger. 

It  is  equally  induced  from  cold  or  moisture,  particu- 
larly when  sudden  vicissitudes  prevail,  or  sleeping  on 
damp  ground. 

Treatment.  Give  on  the  first  appearance  of  this 
disease,  two  or  three  tea-spoonfuls  of  laudanum  or 
three  or  four  grains  of  opium,  to  be  repeated  every  two 
hours  or  oftencr,  with  a  half  pint  or  more  of  wine  or 
strong  spirits  and  water,  between  the  doses.  These  re- 
medies should  be  increased  and  carried  to  the  utmost 
extent,  as  the  symptoms  may  indicate. 

If  these  should  fail  to  relieve  the  spasm;  give  from 
twenty  to  thirty  drops  of  the  tincture  of  (see  Recipe  56) 
cantharides  every  hour,  until  it  produces  stranguary  or 
a  difficulty  of  urine.  As  soon  as  this  occurs,  it  must  be 
discontinued,  and  flaxseed  or  marsh  mallow  tea,  or 
barley  water  drank  freely,  and  some  of  it  injected  by 
way  of  glysters,  to  which  may  be  occasionally  added,  a 
tea-spoonful  or  two  of  laudanum. 

Cold  water  poured  suddenly  on  the  shoulders,  has 


366  Palpitation  of  the  Heart. 


sometimes  done  admirable  service,  and  which  may  al- 
ways be  looked  for,  if  the  patient  after  being  wiped  dry 
and  put  to  bed,  feel  a  kindly  glow  over  the  system. — 
Otherwise  the  cold  bath  should  be  laid  aside;  and  the 
warm  bath  in  its  place,  accompanied  with  diaphoretic 
medicines,  as  the  anodyne  sudorific  drops,  (see  Recipe 
17)  in  larger  doses  than  usual  for  promoting  perspira- 
tion. On  the  decline  of  the  spasm,  bark  with  wine  and 
opiates  at  bed  time  should  be  given  until  the  patient's 
health  is  reinstated.  (See  Tobacco  Materia  Medica.) 

In  every  stage  of  the  disease,  it  is  of  importance  to 
keep  the  bowels  open,  by  the  usual  stimulating  purga- 
tives or  glysters. 

Tetanus  has  oftentimes  yielded  to  a  salivation. 

When  local  injuries  have  been  the  cause  of  this  dis- 
order, the  wound  should  be  dilated  and  filled  with  com- 
mon salt,  Spanish  flies,  or  turpentine,  and  afterwards 
dressed  with  warm  poultices  until  the  wound  be  brought 
to  a  state  of  good  digestion.  If  a  wounded  finger  or  toe 
be  the  cause  of  this  horrible  malady,  it  ought  instandy 
to  be  cut  olF. 

PALPITATION  OF  THE  HEART. 

Symptoms.  In  this  disease,  the  motion  of  the  heart 
is  performed  with  more  rapidity,  and  generally  with 
greater  force  than  usual;  which  may  not  only  be  felt  by 
the  hand,  but  often  he  perceived  by  the  eye,  and  even 
heard;  there  is  frequently  a  difficulty  of  breathing,  a 
purplish  hue  of  the  cheeks  and  lips,  and  a  variety  of 
anxious  and  painful  sensations:  it  sometimes  terminates 
in  sudden  death. 

Causes.  A  morbid  enlargement  of  the  heart  itself, 
and  of  the  large  vessels — organic  affections — an  heredi- 
tary dispositioi! — plethora — debility  or  a  morbid  con- 
dition of  the  system — mal-confirmation  of  the  chest, 
and  many  of  the  causes  inducing  fainting. 

Treatment.  The  exciting  causes  must  be  avoided 
or  removed,  if  they  are  within  our  power. 


Hiccup, 


367 


When  the  disease  arises  from  plethora,  and  the  action 
of  the  heart  is  violent,  bleeding  is  indispensible,  which 
should  be  followed  by  a  cooling  cathartic;  and  after- 
wards the  tincture  of  digitalis,  in  doses  from  ten  to 
twenty  drops  thrice  a-day,  by  lessening  the  action  of 
the  arterial  system,  will  effect  a  cure. 

When  there  is  reason  to  believe  this  affection  is  in 
consequence  of  debility,  the  solution  of  arsenic  in  its 
usual  doses,  taken  for  some  time,  is  a  certain  remedy. 
When  the  nervous  system  is  afl'ected,  small  doses  of 
aether  or  laudanum,  will  be  found  very  serviceable. 

Those  who  are  subject  to  a  palpitation  of  the  heart 
should  carefully  avoid  violent  exercise,  irregular  pas- 
sions, and  all  circumstances  that  may  tend  to  increase 
the  action  of  the  sanguiferous  system. 

HICCUP. 

Is  a  spasmodic  affection  of  the  diaphragm,  and  some- 
times of  the  stomach;  from  the  irritation  of  acidity, 
poisons,  &c. 

Treatment.  When  acidity  is  pointed  out  to  be  the 
cause,  give  the  absorbent  mixture  (see  Recipe  8)  or 
twenty  drops  of  hartshorn  with  a  tea-spoonful  of  mag- 
nesia in  a  cup  of  mint  tea,  or  a  spoonful  or  two  of  milk 
and  lime  water:  and  to  prevent  its  recurrence,  take  ten 
grains  of  the  rust  of  steel  thrice  a-day.  When  occa- 
sioned by  poisons  or  improper  food,  an  emetic  will  be 
proper. 

If  the  spasm  continues  violent,  resort  to  small  doses 
of  «ther  or  laudanum,  or  the  camphorated  julep.  (See 
Recipe  12.)  Preserved  damsons  have  been  found  of 
excellent  use  in  this  complaint,  in  the  quantity  of  a  tea- 
spoonful  every  hour,  or  oftener. 

In  weak  stomachs  oppressed  with  indigestible  food, 
a  glass  of  good  wine  or  spirit  and  water  often  relieves. 
iEtiier  apphed  externally  to  the  stomach  on  a  softhnen 
rag  with  a  warm  hand  to  coidine  it,  is  a  good  remedy; 
so  is  the  application  of  a  buster  in  obstinate  cases.  A 


368 


Night  Mare, — Asthma, 


sudden  alarm  has  often  succeeded  in  curing  this  affec- 
tioHj^after  every  other  means  had  failed. 

NIGHT  MARE. 

SvMPtoMS.  An  alarming  oppression  or  weight  about 
the  breast,  with  dread  of  suffocation. 

Causes.  Late  and  excessive  suppers — great  fatigue 
— drunkenness,  or  sleeping  on  the.  back. 

Treatment.  If  the  patient  be  of  a  plethoric  habit, 
bleed,  purge,  and  use  a  spare  diet.  And  when  the  dis- 
ease is  the  consequence  of  debility  and  weak  nerves, 
the  tonic  medicines,  as  steel,  bark  or  columbo,  in  their 
usual  doses,  are  proper. 

Prevention.  The  patient  should  sleep  on  a  hard 
bed,  which  invites  to  frequent  changes  of  sides,  eat 
light  suppers,  which  with  due  exercise,  and  cheerful- 
ness during  the  day,  form  the  best  preventive  remedies. 

ASTHMA. 

Is  often  hereditary.  When  attended  with  an  expec- 
toration of  phlegm,  it  is  termed  moist  or  humoral;  and 
when  with  little  or  none,  dry  or  nervous  asthma. 

Symptoms.  It  generally  attacks  at  night  with  a 
sense  of  tightness  across  the  breast,  and  impeded  respi- 
ration. The  person  thus  taken,  if  in  a  horizontal  situa- 
tion, is  obliged  immediately  to  get  into  an  erect  pos- 
ture, and  solicits  a  free  and  cold  air.  In  violent  parox- 
ysms, speaking  is  difficulty  and  uneasy. 

Treatment.  On  the  first  attack  asthma,  bleed- 
ing is  serviceable,  if  the  pain  in  the  chest,  and  difficj^lty 
of  breathing  be  considerable;  but  less  so  afterwards, 
since  the  disease  has  a  natural  tendency  to  take  off  the 
plethoric  state  of  the  system. 


Heart-Burn, 


369 


When  the  fit  comes  on  in  consequence  of  a  loaded 
stomach,  an  emetic  will  be  found  serviceable.  A  cup 
of  strong  coffee  has  oftentimes  afforded  great  relief;  and 
when  the  disease  proceeds  from  the  irritation  of  mucus, 
a  spoonful  or  two  of  vinegar  in  a  glass  of  cold  water  is 
a  good  remedy. 

As  in  other  spasmodic  affections,  the  most  powerful 
antispasmodics,  as  laudanum  and  aether,  should  be  re- 
sorted to.  These  may  be  given  conjointly  or  separately, 
but  in  large  doses,  to  allay  the  violence  of  the  fit,  or  to 
prevent  its  accession.  Thus  half  a  tea- spoonful  of  lau- 
danum, or  one  of  aether,  to  be  repeated  in  an  hour,  if 
necessary,  in  a  glass  of  cold  water,  has  frequently  re- 
lieved the  symptoms,  or  when  taken  at  the  approach  of 
the  fit,  have  suppressed  it  altogether.  In  every  stage  of 
this  disease,  the  greatest  attention  must  be  paid  to  keep 
the  bowels  open  by  mild  laxatives  or  giysters. 

Accordin.s^  to  Dr.  Cutler,  the  emetic  weed,  (see  Ma- 
teria Medico)  is  the  most  certain  remedy  in  this  com- 
plaint. 

Regimen.  A  light  diet,  easily  digestible  and  not  fla- 
tulent, is  always  proper  for  asthmatic  persons;  and  du- 
ring the  fit,  cool  drinks  and  fresh  air  are  proper.  It  will 
will  always  be  found  serviceable  to  wear  a  flannel  shirt 
and  to  keep  the  feet  warm. 

Prevention.  During  the  absence  of  the  paroxysm, 
tonic  medicines  and  the  cold  bath,  together  with  mode- 
rate exercise,  will  be  most  efficacious  in  obviating  its 
recurrence. 

HEART-BURN. 

Symptoms.  A  burning  sensation  about  the  pit  of  the 
stomach,  with  acid  eructations,  flatulence,  and  some- 
times retching  to  vomit. 

Causes.  A  relaxed  state  of  the  stomach,  generating 
various  acidities  and  acrimonies  from  food  too  long  de- 

3  A 


570  Indigestion^  or 

tained.  As  it  is  often  a  symptom  of  indigestion,  the  cause 
may  be  found  under  the  head  of  the  following  chapter. 

Treatment.  The  first  indication  is  to  remove  the 
unpleasant  sensations  existing,  which  may  be  done  by 
taking  either  a  small  tea-spoonful  of  salt  of  tartar,  or  a 
table  spoonful  of  magnesia  in  a  glass  of  mint- water  or 
tea,  or  a  wine-glass  full  of  each,  of  lime-water  and  new 
milk;  or  a  tumbler  of  mucilage  of  gum  arabic  or  flax- 
seed tea  taken  cold,  with  a  small  piece  of  liquorice  ball 
dissolved  in  it.  But  to  cure  the  disease  effectually,  after 
an  emetic,  give  ten  grains  of  the  rust  of  steel  thrice  a- 
day  for  some  time,  and  keep  the  bowels  moderately  open 
with  magnesia  or  the  root  of  rhubarb  chewed  occasion- 
ally, or  the  tincture  of  it,  (see  Recipe  52,)  taken  in  small 
doses.  If  acrid  bile  be  the  cause  of  heart- burn,  a  tea- 
spoonful  of  the  spirits  of  nitre  in  a  glass  of  the  infusion 
of  columbo  gives  ease,  and  combined  with  elixir  vitriol, 
in  their  usual  doses,  ensures  the  cure. 

In  this  disease,  great  benefit  has  been  experienced 
an«l  someiimes  a  complete  cure  effected,  by  the  appli- 
cation of  a  blister  to  the  pit  of  the  stomach.  To  render 
it  the  more  efficacious,  the  blister  should  be  kept  run- 
ning for  at  least  a  week. 

I 

Regimen.  The  diet  of  those  who  are  subject  to  this 
complaint,  should  consist  chiefly  of  animal  food;  and 
all  fermented  or  acid  liquors  and  greasy  ahment,  must  be 
strictly  avoided.  A  glass  of  brsmdy,  or  gin  and  water, 
after  dinner  is  the  best  beverage.  Moderate  exercise  is 
particularly  beneficial. 

INDIGESTION,  OR  WEAKNESS  OF  THE 
STOMACH. 

Symptoms.  Want  of  appetite — nausea — sometimes 
vomiting — heart- burn — costiveness — distentions  of  the 
stomach,  particularly  upon  taking  a  small  quantity  of 
food — f^'equcnt  risings  into  the  throat  of  a  sharp  acid  li- 
quor, and  eructations  of  imperfectly  digested  matter. 


Weakness  of  the  Stomach, 


371 


Causes.  Errors  and  irregularities  in  the  mode  of  liv- 
ing— cold  and  moisture — intense  stud} — depressing 
passions — and  abuse  of  tobacco,  opium  or  spirits. 

Treatment.  If  the  patient  complain  of  oppressed 
stomach,  with  nausea,  give  a  vomit  of  ipecacuar.ha;  and 
afterwards  the  columbo  in  substance  or  tincture,  in  a 
glass  of  strong  mint- water,  three  or  four  times  a-day, 
now  and  then  interposing  a  dose  of  the  tincture  of  rhu- 
barb, (see  Recipe  52.)  to  prevent  costiveness.  A  mix- 
ture of  mustard  seed  with  the  columbo  is  of  great  uti- 
lity, particularly  when  acidity  and  flatulence  prevail;  as 
also  lime-water  in  doses  of  a  wine-glass  full  thrice  a-day. 

If  the  disease,  as  is  too  often  the  case,  has  been 
brought  on  by  hard  drinking,  its  only  radical  cure  is  to 
be  found  in  temperance,  cordial  nourishment,  exercise 
and  the  use  of  elixir  vitriol  with  bark,  or  the  tonic 
powder  or  pills  (See  Recipe  4  &  23.) 

When  the  patient  complains  of  a  pain  in  the  stomach, 
resort  to  the  remedies  for  heart-burn,  and  use  friction 
with  a  flesh  brush  or  flannel  over  the  part.  Shoul^  this 
fail,  give  a  dose  of  aether  or  laudanum;  and  in  case  of 
costiveness,  administer  an  injection.  This  treatment 
will  generally  palliate  the  pain,  after  which  endeavour 
to  restore  the  tone  of^the  stomach  by  tonic  medicines,  as 
bark,  columbo,  steel,  &c. 

The  costiveness  peculiar  to  persons  in  this  complaint, 
must  be  removed  by  medicines  which  gently  solicit  the 
intestines  to  a  jnore  regular  discharge  ot  their  contents; 
and  this  effect  is  best  obtained  by  flour  of  sulphur,  mag- 
nesia, or  rhubarb  chewed  every  day,  and  only  the  saliva 
swallowed.  Strong  purgatives  are  unfit  to  correct  habits 
of  costiveness,  as  they  weaken  the  action  of  the  intestines, 
and  thereby  increase  the  complaint  when  the  evacuation 
is  over. 

But  nothing  can  so  effectually  obviate  this  affection,  as 
a  constant  custom  most  sacredly  observed,  ol  gomg 
every  morning  to  the  privy,  although  you  have  not  a 
natural  inclination. 

Should  indigestion  arise  from  a  deficiency  of  bile,  give 


372 


Colic, 


morning'  and  noon  about  twenty  grains  of  ox  gall,  o 
the  same  quantity  of  columbo,  when  the  former  canno 
be  obtained. 

In  some  cases,  particularly  of  old  age,  the  digestion 
is  injured  by  putrid  matter,  from  decayed  teeth,  con- 
stantly mixed  with  the  saliva;  and  thence  affectin 
the  organs  of  taste,  and  destroying  the  appetite.  To 
correct  this,  wash  the  mouth  frequently  with  a  solution 
of  akim  or  lime  water,  or  which  is  preferable,  with  fine 
charcoal  powder,  (see  Receipe  5)  diffused  in  warm 
water. 

Regimen.  The  diet  should  consist  chiefly  of  animal 
food  well  chewed,  and  taken  in  small  quantities,  follow- 
ed with  a  glass  of  brandy  and  water,  or  good  wine. — 
Frequent  friction  with  a  flesh  brush  or  flannel  over  the 
region  of  the  stomach  and  belly  will  be  found  exceeding- 
ly beneficial. 

Afier  taking  a  puke,  we  have  known  a  milk  diet, 
persevered  in  for  several  weeks,  effectually  cure  indi- 
gestion. This  article,  almost  always  offends  the  stomach 
at  first;  but,  by  continuance,  becomes  agreeable  to  it, 
and  effects  a  cure.  The  milk  should  be  new,  and  fiee 
from  acidity. 

Early  rising  and  moderate  exercise  in  the  morning  air 
can  hardly  be  enough  recommended,  inasmuch  as  they 
contribute  so  happily  to  restore  the  tone  of  the  stomach, 
as  also  of  the  whole  system. 

It  is  impossible  to  furnish  a  plan  of  regimen  adapted 
to  every  constitution  and  habit,  but  if  the  patient  will 
but  pay  due  attention  to  what  benefits,  and  what  injures 
him,  wisely  regulating  his  mode  of  living  by  the  infor- 
mation thus  obtained,  his  present  maladies  will  soon 
disanpear,  and  their  future  recurrence  be  for  ever  inhi- 
bited. 

COLIC. 

Symptoms.  A  violent  pain  in  the  bowels  originating 
from  constriction,  attended  with  costiveness  and  some- 
times vomiting.  The  pain  is  commonly  seated  about  the 


Colic* 


373 


navel,  and  resembles  various  sensations,  as  of  burning, 
twisting,  boring,  or  a  ligature  drawn  very  tight  across 
the  intestines. 

It  comes  on  without  fever,  but  which  soon  follows, 
especially  if  inflammation  lake  place  in  the  intestine  af- 
fected, and  then  all  the  symptoms  become  greatly  ag- 
gravated. 

Causes.  Flatulence — indigestible  aliment  taken  in- 
to  the  stomach — acrid  bile — hardened  faeces — costive- 
ness — worms — drinking  too  freely  of  acids — intermit- 
tents  improperly  cured — sudden  check  of  perspiration — 
and  the  application  of  poisons,  such  as  lead,  &:c.  &c. 

Treatment.  When  the  disease  evidently  arises 
from  wind  (as  may  be  known  by  a  rumbling  in  the  bow- 
els, by  pressure  on  the  belly,  or  by  the  ease  experienc- 
ed from  a  discharge  of  it,  or  by  the  patient's  lying  on  the 
belly,)  a  glass  of  brandy,  gin,  strong  mint- water,  or  tea 
made  of  ginger  or  calimus,  will  generally  give  relief. 
But  it  is  only  in  colic  from  wind  that  these  hot  spiritu- 
ous and  carminative  substances  are  to  be  used,  for  in  all 
other  cases  they  do  great  harm,  and  often  destroy  life. 

Where  the  pain  is  fixed  and  acute,  bleeding  is  advi- 
sable, particularly  in  full  habits,  to  prevent  inflammation. 
Next  the  action  of  the  intestines  must  be  excited  by 
brisk  purgatives,  such  as  castor  oil,  calomel  and  jalap, 
or  salts,  senna  and  manna,  aided  by  stimulating  glys- 
ters.  If  these  means  prove  inefliicacious,  immediate  re- 
course must  be  had  to  the  warm  bjth,  in  which  the 
patient  should  remaui  as  long  as  he  can  bear  it. — Where 
a  bathing  vessel  cannot  be  procured,  flannels  wrung  out 
of  hot  water  should  be  frequently  applied  over  the  belly 
as  warm  as  can  be  endured.  Tobacco  glysters,  two 
drachms  of  the  leaves  in  a  decoction,  may  be  administer- 
ed; and  when  the  pain  continues  obstinate,  a  large  blis- 
ter ought  to  be  applied  over  the  belly. 

If  the  above  remedies  prove  ineftectual,  opium  and 
calomel  in  large  doses  should  be  employed.  To  their 
exceeding  utility  in  obstinate  colic,  I  can  subscribe, 


374  Colic. 

from  numberless  successful  experiments,  made  by  my- 
self* 

Eminent  modern  physicians  advise,  that  when  all 
other  means  are  despaired  of,  the  patient  should  be  pla- 
ced erect  on  the  floor,  and  a  pail  of  cold  water  thrown 
on  his  feet  and  legs;  this,  though  apparently  a  droll  re- 
medy, yet  certainly  deserves  to  be  tried  in  desperate 
cases,  especially  as  we  are  assured  from  the  best  autho- 
rity, that  it  has  often  succeeded:  it  acts,  as  is  said,  by 
occasioning  an  immediate  evacuation  of  the  bowels. 

For  the  vomiting  which  often  occurs  in, this  disease, 
common  garden  mint,  peppermint,  (see  Materia  Medi- 
ca)  or  any  other  spices  boiled  in  wine  or  spirits,  and^ 
flannels  wrung  out  of  it,  and  laid  hot  on  the  pit  of  the 
stomach,  are  excellent,  especially  if  a  little  laudanum  be 
added.  If  acrid  bile  be  thrown  up,  the  saline  mixture,  or 
infusion  of  columbo  should  be  given;  and  when  vomit- 

*  How  I  came  in  possession  of  this  admirable  secret,  both  jus- 
tice and  gratitude  require  that  I  should  explain. 

In  the  year  1801,  I  spent  several  weeks  in  Georgetown,  Colum- 
bia district.  While  there,  I  was  requested  to  visit  a  Mr.  James  Tur- 
ner, who  had  long  been  indisposed  with  the  ague  and  fever;  but 
then  suffering  under  a  severe  attack  of  the  colic,  accompanied  with 
most  obstinate  costiveness.  For  three  or  four  days  the  best  aperients, 
as  calomel,  castor  oil,  salts,  senna  and  manna,  and  injections,  with 
the  warn\  bath,  and  blisters,  were  used,  but  without  effect.  Be- 
ing much  alarmed  about  his  situation,  I  stated  the  case  to  my  very 
excellent  friend,  the  ingenious  and  learned  Qoctor  John  Weems, 
who  advised  the  immediate  use  of  six  grains  of  opium,  with  twen- 
ty of  calomel  in  a  bolus;  and  one  third  of  that  dose  every  two 
hours  afterwards,  if  the  first  failed  to  operate.  I  expressed  my 
fears  that  so  large  a  ^lose  of  opium  might  do  harm.  "  No,  sir,"  re- 
plied he,  'tis  small  does  that  do  harm;  give  large  doses,  large 
enough  to  take      the  spas?Bs,  and  you  save  the  patient." 

I  still  retained  my  repugnance;  however,  recollecting  his  great 
inedical  attainments,  and  the  desperate  case  of  my  patient, i  acced- 
ed lo  his  advice,  and  scarcely  was  the  second  dose  swallowed,  be- 
fore it  began  to  operate  like  a  charm.  The  spasm  was  taken  oft' 
the  intestines — copious  foetid  evacuations  succeeded,  and  our  pa- 
tient was  presently  restored. 

This  is  but  one  of  many  extraordinary  cures  performed  by 
Doctor  John  Weems.  The*  citize*ns  of  Georgetown  and  Wasfiing- 
•ton,  will  long  lament  the  early  fate  of  this  gentlemen,  of  whom  for 
ardent  friendship,  and  medical  sagacity,  I  can  truly  say — his  equal 
I  have  seldom  seen,  his  superior  nex/t?r. 


Cholera  Morbus,  or  Vomiting  and  Purging,  375 


ing  is  attended  with  cold  extremities,  a  bl  ster  to  the 
back  often  relieves  this  symptom. 

Vomiting,  in  this  disease,  is  also  frequently  removed 
by  a  blister  on  the  pit  of  the  stomach. 

Regimen.  Evacuations  being  once  produced,  mu- 
cilaginous drinks  and  light  diet  should  be  strictly  adher- 
ed to;  and  the  bowels  kept  moderately  open  by  mild 
purgatives,  giving  opiates  at  bed-time  if  necessary,  until 
the'sorenebs  and  distention  of  the  belly  go  oiF;  and  no 
hardened  fasces  appear  in  the  stool. 

When  recovered,  the  patient  should  cautiously  avoid 
whatever  may  lead  to  a  relapse,  especially  acid  and  fla- 
tulent food,  costiveness,  and  taking  cold. 

CHOLERA  MORBUS,  OR  VOMITING  AND 
PURGING. 

Causes.  It  is  generally  occasioned  by  a  redundan- 
cy and  acrimony  of  the  bile — indigestible  food  or  such 
as  becomes  rancid  or  acid  on  the  'stomach — poisons — 
strong  acrid  purges  or  vomits — passions  of  the  miiid,  or 
a  sudden  check  of  perspiration. 

Treatment.  Endeavour  as  early  as  possible  to  ex- 
pel the  acrimonious  matter  which  affects  the  alimentary 
canal,  by  large  and  repeated  draughts  of  chicken  water, 
beef  tea,  barley  or  rice  water,  or  thin  gruel,  &c.  which 
should  also  be  given  freely  in  glysters.  After  having 
cleansed  the  stomach  and  intestines,  give  a  tea- spoon- 
ful! of  asiher,  or  thii  ty  or  forty  drops  of  laudanum,  in 
mint- water  or  tea,  and  repeat  the  dose  every  hour  or  of- 
tener,  as.  the  frequency  of  the  evacuations  or  the  urgen- 
cy' of  the  pain  may  require. 

If  the  laudanum  be  rejected  from  the  stomach,  give 
opium  in  pilfeof  half  a  grain,  repeated  every  half  hour, 
or  every  hour,  at  farthest,  until  the  disease  be  checked. 

In  general,  this  mode  of  treatment  is  sufficient;  but  if 
the  patient  be  of  a  plethoric  habit,  he  ought  to  lose  blood 
immediately;  and  in  case  the  pain  continues  violent,  be 
placed  in  the  warm  bath;  should  the  bathing  vessel  not 


376 


Diarrhoea^  or  Looseness. 


be  at  hand,  peppermint  stewed  in  spirits,  or  cloths 
wrung  out  of  hot  spirits  or  decoctions  of  camomile, 
hoDs,  O!  lavender,  ought  to  be  applied  to  the  stomach 
and  belly,  and  often  renewed. 

If  acrid  bile  be  the  cause  of  this  complaint,  the  infu- 
sion of  columbo  (see  Recipe  39,)  must  be  given  every 
half  hour  or  oftener,  in  large  doses;  and  in  case  of  great 
heat,  a  small  quantity  of  nitre  in  the  patient's  drink, 
will  be  proper. 

When  the  disease  originates  from  food,  either  very 
acid  or  putrid,  besides  plentiful  dilution  with  the  above 
drinks,  give  castor  oil,  salts  or  rhubarb;  and  if  from 
poisons  swallowed,  the  patient  should  drink  largely  of 
pure  sweet  oil,  melted  butter,  or  mucilaginous  drinks, 
with  small  portions  of  salt  of  tartar. 

Regimen.  As  no  disease  more  suddenly  weakens 
the  patient,  he  should  take  freely  of  a  light  but  cordial 
and  nourishini^  diet,  occasionally  assisting  his  appetite, 
if  deficient,  with  elixir  vitriol,  tincture  of  bark,  or  hifu- 
sion  of  columbo.  If  he  cannot  sleep  well,  an  opiate  at 
bed-time  may  be  taken,  until  his  strength  and  spirits 
return. 

DIARRHCEA,  OR  LOOSENESS. 

Symptoms.  A  purging  without  sickness  or  pain, 
succeeded  by  loss  of  appetite. 

Causes.  Acid  or  putrid  aliments — obstructed  pers- 
piration— acrid  bile — drinking  bad  water — worms — vi- 
olent passions,  or  a  translation  of  morbid  matter  of  other 
diseases  to  the  bowels. 

Treatment.  If  offending  matter  be  lodged  in  the 
stomach,  give  an  emetic,  and  opiate  at  bed  time;  and  on 
the  succeeding  day  if  the  disease  is  not  removed,  a  dose 
of  rhubarb  or  castor  oil,  follovi^ed  by  forty  drops  of  lau- 
danum at  night. 

If  the  disease  be  in  consequence  of  cold,  and  the  skin 
be  dry,  the  ntimonial  mixture  see  (Recipe  6)  exhibit- 
ed in  small  doses  during  the  day,  and  the  anodyne  su- 


Colic, 


577 


dorific  bolus  or  draught  (see  Recipe  20  &  18,)  repeated 
at  bed-time,  with  a  flannel  shirt,  will  geiierally  effect  a 
cure. 

When  bile  is  indicated  to  be  the  cause,  the  columbo  in 
decoction  or  powder,  will  be  found  admirable;  and  if  ac- 
companied with  sour  and  debilitated  stomach,  the  tonic 
powders  or  pills,  (see  Recipe  4  23)  with  exercise,  are 
the  best  remedies.  Where  bad  water  is  in  fault,  it  should 
instantly  be  changed  or  corrected  by  wine,  brandy,  or 
porter;  remembering  that  in  all  cases  of  continued  eva- 
cuation, laudanum  may  be  given  at  night  after  the  sto- 
mach and  bowels  have  been  cleared. 

When  worms  iixluce  this  disease,  which  may  be 
known  from  the  sliminess  of  the  stools,  and  bad  breath, 
such  medicines  as  are  calculated  to  destroy  them  must 
be  employed.  Afterwards  a  wine-glass  full  of  lime-water, 
with  an  equal  quantity  of  new  milk,  will  be  proper  three 
times  a-day. 

In  obstinate  cases,  no  medicine  is  superior  to  the  con- 
tinued use  of  the  vitriolic  solution  (see  Recipe  7)  with 
an  opiate  at  bed-time.  The  nausea  which  this  medicine 
produces  is  very  disgusting,  but  from  that  circumstance 
much  of  its  efficacy 'is  derived.  Should  a  common  dose 
fail  to  nauseate,  it  should  be  increased  until  that  symp- 
tom is  eftected. 

The  blackberry,  (see  Materia  Medica^)  conjoined 
with  a  small -portion  of  cinnamon,  ginger,  calamus,  or 
some  aromatic,  is  also  a  valuable  remedy. 

Regimen.  The  diet  should  consist  of  arrov/  root, 
sago,  rice  milk,  and  the  white  meats.*  The  drinks  may  be 
of  the  diluting  kind,  as  already  enumerated; — genuine 
wine  may  also  be  allowed,  if  it  does  not  turn  souf  on  the 
stomach.  Moderate  exercise  is  peculiarly  useful,  amd  no- 
thing facilitates  the  cure  more  than  flannel  next  the 
skin.* 

♦This  was  the  Angel  in  disguise,"  that  opened  the  prison 
doors  of  this  uneasy  life,  and  gave  happy  freedom  to  my  ever-re- 
vered father,  Colonel  Jesse  Ewell,  of  Virginia.  My  sister  Charlotte 
celebrated  his  virtues  in  an  Elegy,  the  following  extracts  frora  ' 

3  B 


378 


DROPSY. 

A  collection  of  water,  in  some  part  of  the  body. 

Symptoms.  In  common  dropsies,  the  legs  usually 
swell,  and  a  pit  remains  for  some  time  after  pressing 
the  flesh — the  appetite  abates — the  face  is  bloated — 
urine  little — thirst  great;  with  slow  fever,  shortness  of 
breath,  and  lassitude. 

Causes.  Excessive  drinking — poor  diet — protracted 

which  I  beg  permission  of  the  reader  to  insert,  as  a  small  tribute 
of  gratitude  to  the  best  of  parents,  and  but  a  faint  portraiture  of 
his  worth. 

"  Early  he  woo'd  fair  virtue  for  his  guide, 
And  rarely  wanderM  from  her  guardian  side; 
By  him  the  needy  never  were  denied, 
He  sooth'd  their  sorrows,  and  their  wants  supplied. 
He  mourn'd  the  contests  of  the  neighbouring  poor, 
And  open'd  wide  his  peace-restoring  door; 
Where  soon  his  wisdom  taught  their  strifes  to  cease, 
Reviv'd  their  loves,  and  sent  them  home  in  peace. 
The  slaves  whom  Hcav'n  to  his  care  consign'd, 
Ne'er  felt  the  terrors  of  a  slavish  mind; 
Well  fed,  warm  clad,  to  moderate  labours  prest. 
They  lov'd  their  fetters,  and  their  bondage  blest. 
As  FRIEND — as  FATHER — who  his  praise  can  tell? 
W^here  first  begin,  or  with  due  raptures  swell? 
To  check  our  wrong,  his  frowns  were  ever  light, 
And  sweet  his  smiles  whene'er  we  chose  the  right. 
And  when  at  length  the  awful  hour  drew  nigh. 
To  waft  his  spirit  to  its  native  sky, 
Such  in  that  moment  as  in  all  the  past, 
"  Oh  bless  my  children,  Heav'n  !"  was  still  his  last. 
Now  scap'd  from  earth,  with  God  he  dwells  above, 
And  shares  with  angels  in  their  feasts  of  love. 
Then  come,  blest  faith,  come  hasten  to  my  aid, 
licst  grief  profaiTe  disturb  his  happy  shade; 
Teach  me  to  bow  submissive — and  adore, 
Th'  unerring  counsels  of  eternal  power, 
Which  gives  in  love,  or  still  in  love  denies. 
And  makes  e'en  "  crosses,  blessings  in  disguise." 
And  thou,  fond  memory,  still  my  sire  recall, 
Record  his  virtues,  imitate  them  all — 
That  joys  like  his  my  mortal  life  may  prove, 
And  peace  eternal  crown  ray  state  above." 


Dropsy. 


379 


iiitermittents — scirrhous  tumours  of  the  abdominal  vis- 
cera, but  particularly  of  the  liver;  and  in  fine,  whatever 
may  occasion  too  free  a  secretion  of  the,  serous  fluids  in 
the  cellular  membrane,  or  any  cavity  of  the  body,  and  at 
the  same  time  diminish  the  action  of  the  absorbent  ves- 
sels. 

Treatment.  Like  other  diseases,  the  treatment 
must  vary  according  to  circumstances.  In  every  form  of 
dropsy,  if  there  be  a  hard,  full  and  quick  pulse,  blood- 
letting constitutes  one  of  the  principal  remedies,  ai^d 
must  be  repeated  once  or  twice  a  week,  until  the  action 
of  the  arterial  system  is  considerably  diminished. 

Brisk  purges,  as  calomel  and  jalap  in  full  doses,  are 
indispensable,  and  ought  always  to  succeed  bleeding, 
and  be  given  as  often  as  the  patient's  strength  will  ad- 
mit, followed  by  the  anodyne  sudorific  bolus  or  draught 
at  bed- time.  (See  Recipe  20  &:  18.)  While  feverish 
symptoms  continue,  nitre  is  extremely  useful  in  this 
disease,  in  doses  of  ten  grains  four  or  five  times  a- day, 
or  in  such  quantities  as  the  stomach  may  bear;  but 
should  never  be  continued  longer  than  two  weeks,  if  no 
good  effects  result  from  its  use.  iVnother  valuable  me- 
dicine for  lessening  the  action  of  the  pulse,  and  thereby 
increasing  absorption,  is  the  fox- glove,  (see  Materia 
Medica,)  which  maybe  given  in  powder,  decoction  or 
tincture.  The  latter  is  the  most  convenient  form;  and  in 
doses  of  twenty  or  thirty  drops  in  a  wine-glass  of  mint 
water,  m^ay  be  taken  twice  or  thrice  a-day,  until  the 
water  is  removed,  or  the  inflammatory  disposition  taken 
off*.  If  this  quantity  do  not  induce  sickness,  or  produce 
any  evident  good  effect,  the  dose  must  be  gradually  in- 
creased  to  forty  or  sixty  drops  or  farther. 

Cream  of  tartar,  from  half  an  ounce  to  an  ounce  dissol- 
ved in  a  pint  or  more  of  water,  is  a  pleasant  and  useful 
drink,  and  this  taken  early  in  the  morning  has  frequently 
succeeded  in  evacuating  the  water. 

As  soon  as  the  action  of  the  pulse  becomes  lessened, 
it  is  necessary  to  strengthen  the  system  and  increase  the 
digestive  powers,  by  the  exhibition  of  steel  alone,  or  the 


380 


Gout. 


tonic  powders,  pills  or  drops  (Recipe  4,  23  &:  19)  thrice 
a-day,  diirine^  the  intervals  of  purging.  In  weak  habits, 
accompanied  with  obstruction  of  the  viscera  and  feeble 
pulse,  stimulating  medicines,  as  calomel  in  small  doses 
to  excite  ptyalism;  and  afterwards  tonic  medicines,  with 
a  generous  diet,  form  the  most  valuable  remedy.  The 
juice  of  leeks  in  dobes  of  a  spoonful  twice  a-day  is  said 
to  have  performed  surprising  cures;  at  any  rate,  in  this 
state  of  the  disease  the  patient  can  hardly  make  too  free 
a  use  of  the  acrid  stimulating  vegetables,  as  garlic, 
onions.  Sec. 

Tight  bandages  applied  in  the  morning  round  the 
belly  and  limbs,  have  their  good  effects  in  preventing 
the  increase  or  return  of  dropsical  swelling.  Friction 
with  a  flesh  brush  or  flannel  every  morning  from  the  ex- 
tremities upwards,  is  of  the  greatest  service;  particular- 
ly if  the  skin  be  previously  moistened  with  the  volatile 
liniment,  composed  of  equal  parts  of  soap,  spirit  and  vi- 
negar. 

Regimen.  During  the  inflammatory  disposition,  or 
when  there  is  a  preternatural  heat  on  the  skin,  or  much 
action  in  the  pulse,  the  diet  should  be  light  and  easy  of 
digestion.  In  the  other  state,  when  the  patient  is  weak 
and  feeble,  it  should  be  of  the  most  nourishing  kind, 
with  a  liberal  use  of  wine.  Exercise  is  of  the  greatest 
importance  when  not  carried  to  fatigue.  In  the  lowest 
stage  of  the  disease,  swinging  or  riding  in  a  carriage 
are  most  proper;  but  as  soon  as  the  patient's  strength 
will  admit  of  it,  riding  on  horseback  will  be  found  most 
beneficial. 

GOUT 

Is  often  hereditary,  but  generally  indolence  and  lux- 
ury are  the  hated  parents  of  this  disease,  which  righ- 
teous heaven  has  marked  with  such  severity,  that,  like 
the  leprosy  of  Naama,  it  is  hardly  ever  curable.* 


*  An  English  nobleman,  after  twenty  years  of  riotous  living, 


Gout. 


381 


But  though  art  has  not  often  succeeded  to  cure  the 
gout,  yet  it  has  discovered  a  variety  of  means  to  shorten 
the  fits,  and  render  them  much  more  tolerable. 

Symptoms.  The  gout  mostly  affects  the  joints,  but  the 
viscera  are  not  exempt  from  its  ravages.  It  sometimes 
comes  on  suddenly,  passing  from  one  part  of  the  body 
to  the  other,  in  the  twinkling  of  an  eye;  but  generally  is 
preceded  by  indigestion,  flatulency,  loss  of  appetite, 
unusual  coldness  of  the  feet  and  legs,  wiih  frequent 
numbness,  sense  of  pricking,  and  cramp.  These  s}  mp- 
toms  take  place  several  days  before  the  paroxysm  comes 
on,  but  commonly  the  day  preceding  it,  the  appetite 
becomes  greater  than  usual.  The  next  morning,  the  pa- 
tient is  roused  from  his  sleep,  by  an  excruciating  pain 
in  the  great  toe,  or  ball  of  the  foot,  resembling  the 
gnawing  of  a  little  dog. 

Treatment.  No  matter  what  part  of  the  body  this 
disease  first  seizes,  the  lancet  will  be  required  in  every 
case  where  there  is  an  increased  action  of  the  pulse,  to 
take  oft'  the  inflammatory  disposition.  The  extent  to 
which  the  blood-letiing  must  be  carried,  can  only  be 
ascertained  by  the  violence  of  the  disease,  and  the  sex 
and  constitution  of  the  patient.  In  this,  as  in  all  inflam- 
matory  fevers,  the  bowels  ought  to  be  kept  open  freely 
by  laxative  medicines,  as  castor  oil,  sulphv.r,  cream  of 
tartar,  rhubarb,  senna,  jalap,  or  calomel.  Indeed  a  fit  of 
the  gout  may  be  oftentimes  entirely,  and  almost  instan- 

awoke  one  morning  in  the  torments  of  the  gout.  Ashe  iay  writhing 
with  pain,  his  servant  ran  up  stairs  to  him  with  great  joy  in  his 
countenance:  "  O!  sir,  good  news!  good  newsl  there  is  a  tamous 
gout  doctor  below,  who  says  he  will  veniure  his  cais,  he  can  cure 
your  honour  in  a  week  "  "  Ahl  that  is  good  news  indeed,  To.n;  well, 
run  my  good  boy,  and  put  up  his  carriage  and  horse^,  and  treat  the 
doctor  like  a  prince."  O  sir,  the  genileman  iias  no  carriage  and 
horses;  I  believe  he  walked  a  foot!"  "Walk  a  foot!  what!  cure 
the  gout  and  walk  a  foot!  go  dov/n  Tom,  go  down,  and  instantly 
drive  the  rascal  out  of  the  hou-^e;  set  the  dogs  upon  hi.Tj,  do  you 
hear?  the  lying  varlet!  why  if  he  co\ild  cure  the  gout  he  might 
ride  in  a  richer  carriage  than  his  majesty." 


382 


Gout, 


taneously  removed  by  active  purging.  Even  drastic 
purges  need  not  be  dreaded  in  this  disease. 

Nitre  with  diluting  liquors,  given  in  such  quantities 
as  to  excite  a  gentle  perspiration,  are  of  great  utility 
in  the  inflammatory  stage  of  the  disease.  After  the  ac- 
tion of  the  pulse  is  somewhat  reduced  by  evacuations, 
blisters  over  the  pained  parts  are  greatly  to  be  relied  on. 

As  soon  as  the  inflammatory  state  of  the  gout  has 
subsided,  stimulants  and  tonic  medicines,  as  bark  and 
steel,  are  the  best  remedies.  Laudanum,  asther,  good 
French  brandy  and  aromatics,  as  calamus,  ginger,  Vir- 
ginia snake-root,  and  red  pep])er,  (see  Materia  Medica) 
in  the  form  of  teas,  are  all  exceedingly  useful  in  this 
feeble  state  of  the  disease,  especially  when  it  affects  the 
stomach  or  bowels.  Besides  these  internal  remedies, 
frictions  on  the  stomach  and  bowels,  or  the  application 
of  cloths  wrung  out  of  hot  spirits  or  water,  over  the 
pained  parts,  and  sinapisms  to  the  feet,  should  be  em- 
ployed, whenever  the  gout  attacks  the  head,  lungs, 
bowels  or  stomach. 

Gentlemen  long  in  the  habits  of  intimacy  with  this  dis- 
ease, should  remember  that  it  is  of  immense  rudeness, 
and  ready  on  the  slightest  provocation  to  quit  the  toes 
and  knuckles,  and  seize  on  the  very  stomach  and  bow- 
els of  its  best  friends.  They  should  therefore  be  con- 
stantly on  their  guard,  and  keep  always  by  them  a  vial 
of  asther  or  laudanum,  or  a  case  of  good  old  French 
brandy;*  the  latter  of  which  is  admirable  for  chasing 
the  gout  from  the  stomach. 

*  For  lack  of  this  ammunition,  the  gallant  Wayne  was  cut  off  long 
before  "  his  eye  was  dim,  or  his  natural  heat  abated.  "  Late  in  De- 
cember, 1796,  he  embarked  at  Detroit  for  Presque  Isle,  but  not 
without  his  usual  supply  of  brandy,  which  however,  was  all  lost, 
through  his  servant's  carelessness  in  upsetting  his  case.  On  the 
passage  he  caught  cold,  which  brought  on  a  violent  attack  of  the 
gout  in  the  stomach;  and,  for  want  of  his  usual  remedy,  he  suffer- 
ed the  most  excruciating  torture  until  he  reached  Presque  Isle, 
where  he  died  early  in  January,  1797.  His  body  was  deposited  in 
the  centre  of  the  fort,  to  show  the  children  of  future  days,  the 
grave  of  him  who  so  bravely  defended  their  liberties.  Filial  piety 
has  since  removed  it  to  his  native  state,  where  it  now  sleeps  with 
the  dust  of  his  fathers.  I  arn 


Gout, 


383 


The  white  hellebore  (see  Materia  Medica,)  is  highly 
extolled  as  a  remedy  in  this  distressing  disease. 

Regimen.  The  diet  should  be  regulated  according 
to  the  state  of  the  patient.  If  feverish,  and  of  a  pletho- 
ric habit,  the  lightest  diet  ought  to  be  used.  If  debilita- 
ted and  of  a  relaxed  habit,  generous  diet  should  be 
allowed.  Exercise,  although  painful  at  first,  must  be 
freely  taken. 

Prevention.  If  the  person  be  plethoric,  and  has 
been  accustomed  to  drink  freely  of  wine,  and  eat  hear- 
tily, he  should  gradually  diminish  the  quantity  of  the 
aliment;  particularly  every  spring  and  fall,  as  the  dis- 
ease is  more  liable  to  recur  at  those  seasons  than  at  any 
other  time.  But  in  debilitating  habits  predisposed  to  the 
gout,  a  stimulating  diet  is  most  proper,  assisted  with 
the  use  of  the  rust  of  steel,  bitters  or  bark.  In  every 
case,  costiveness  should  be  avoided;  and  flannel  worn 
next  to  the  skin  is  peculiarly  proper.  Nothing,  however, 
prevents  the  disease,  more  than  temperance  and  exer- 
cise.* 

I  am  happy  to  acknowledge,  that  for  this  anecdote,  I  am  indebt- 
ed to  the  politeness  of  my  worthy  friend  Captain  Hugh  M'Call,  of 
Savannah. 

*  The  story  of  the  wealthy  Mr.  Palmer  in  the  reign  of  George  I. 
though  well  known  to  many,  is  yet  so  apropos  to  our  subject,  that 
I  cannot  deny  myself  the  wish  to  relate  it.  Young  Mr.  Palmer  re- 
ceived from  his  father,  what  the  London  merchants  call  a  plumb, 
(i.  e.)  a  round  100,0001.  of  which  he  contrived  to  make  such  "good 
use."  that  by  the  time  he  was  forty  years  of  age,  he  was  torn  to 
pieces  by  the  gout.  His  physicians  advised  him  to  try  the  virtues 
of  a  sea  voyage  with  the  soft  balmy  air  of  Montpelier.  He  set  out, 
but  on  his  passage  up  the  Mediterranean,  was  captured  by  an  Alge- 
rine  corsair,  who  took  him  to  Morocco,  and  sold  him  for  a  slave.  He 
was  bought  by  a  farmer,  who  carried  him  into  the  country,  and 
set  him  to  hard  labour,  allowing  him  nothing  better  than  brown 
bread  and  dates,  and  even  of  that  hardly  enough  to  support  him. 
His  only  drink  was  water,  and  his  only  bed  a  plank.  In  a  few 
weeks  every  gouty  symptom  disappeared,  and  he  recovered  his 
health,  with  an  uncommon  portion  of  activity. 

These  first  of  blessings  continued  with  him  all  the  time  he  was 
in  captivity,  (two  years,)  at  the  expiration  of  which,  he.  was  ran- 


384 


VENEREAL  DISEASE. 

The  venereal  disease  is  of  two  species:  the  one,  a 
local  affection  of  the  genital  organs,  termed  Gonorrhoea, 
or  Clap;  and  the  other,  a  general  or  constitutional  com- 
plaint, termed  Syphilis,  or  Pox. 

THE  GONORRHOEA, 

Of  which  we  shall  first  treat,  is  an  inflammation  of 
the  mucous  membrane,  lining  the  urethra  in  men,  and 
the  vagina  in  women;  seated  in  the  male  about  the 
frsenum  of  the  penis,  and  in  the  female  a  small  distance 
up  the  vagina;  but  in  its  progress  communicating  to  all 
the  surrounding  parts,  and  producing  a  variety  of  pain- 
ful sensations. 

Symptoms.  A  discharge  of  mucus,  at  first  white, 
but  soon  turning  of  a  yellow  or  greenish  appearance — an 
acute  or  scalding  pain  in  making  water,  with  most  inde- 
cent erections  of  the  penis,  termed  chordee,  very  pain- 
ful, and  sometimes  followed  by  a  discharge  of  blood. — 
At  times  the  inflammation  spreads  to  the  contiguous 
parts,  occasioning  strangury,  swelled  testicle,  swelling  in 
the  groins  similar  to  buboes,  or  a  contraction  and  thick- 
ening of  the  fore-skin;  which  when  drawn  over  the  head 
or  nut  of  the  yard,  is  termed  phymosis,  and  paraphy- 
mosis  when  retracted  behind  it. 

When  these  symptoms  dance  their  attendance  to  the 
catastrophe,  the  clap  may  be  said  to  flourish  in  its  full 
bloom,  and  the  patient  finds  himself  fairly  seated  on  the 
stool  of  repentance. 

somed  by  his  friends. — On  his  return  to  England,  he  was  hardly 
known  'i)y  his  acquaintances,  so  great  was  the  change  which  tem- 
perance and  exercise  had  wrought  upon  him.  But  alas!  for  the 

lack  of  fortitude,  he  soon  relapsed  into  his  old  passion  for  the  rich 
dishes,  flowing  glasses,  and  soft  couches  of  epicurism.  His  system 
soon  became  bloated  and  relaxed;  and  his  ancient  foe,  the  :crou! 
returned,  and  killed  him  in  a  short  time. 


Venereal  Disease. 


385 


The  appearance  of  a  clap  in  the  female,  is  pretty  much 
the  same  as  in  the  male,  allowing  for  the  difference  of 
the  parts.  The  disease  in  them  is  always  milder,  inso- 
much,  that  at  times  there  is  no  other  symptom  but  the 
discharge,  which  is  often  mistaken  for  the  fluor  albus. — 
They  are,  however,  more  subject  to  excoriations  of  the 
parts,  than  the  men;  and  indeed,  when  the  inflammation 
is  considerable,  it  often  extends  to  the  urethra,  and  oc- 
casions great  pain. 

Treatment.  As  the  disease  is  local,  topical  appli- 
cations in  the  form  of  injections  become  necessary.  The 
patient  should  therefore  without  delay  employ  one  of  the 
injections,  (see  Recipe  44  &  45,)  which  in  irritable  ha- 
bits, may  be  a  little  weakened,  and  the  strength  gradual- 
ly increased  as  the  inflammation  abates.  Indeed,  when 
the  inflammation  is  very  considerable,  it  is  better  at  first, 
to  inject  with  sweet  oil  or  mucilage  of  sassafras;  [see 
Materia  Medico)  and  in  such  cases,  the  testicles  ought 
to  be  suspended  by  a  bandage,  and  the  antiphlogistic 
regimen  strictly  adhered  to,  particularly  in  taking  freely 
of  mucilaginous  drinks;  as  flaxseed  tea,  barley  water, 
or  the  mucilage  of  gum  arabic,  and  obviating  costive- 
ness,  by  small  and  repeated  doses  of  cream  tartar. — 
Whichsoever  of  the  injections  is  used,  it  must  be  thrown 
up  the  urethra  six  or  eight  times  a-day,  immediately  af- 
ter making  water,  and  with  a  syringe  that  works  easily, 
that  it  may  not  hurt  or  inflame  the  parts. 

For  the  chordee,  which  occurs  mostly  in  the  night, 
give  a  dose  of  laudanum  at  bed-time,  and  rub  the  guilty 
member  well  night  and  morning,  with  mercurial  oint- 
ment, or  the  camphorated  liniment.  Should  a  hemorrhage 
supervene,  it  may  be  removed  by  rest,  and  immersing 
the  part  often  with  cold  vinegar  and  water,  or  lead  water, 
of  the  ordinary  strength,  of  which  the  patient  may  throw 
a  little  up. 

When  the  inflammatory  symptoms  of  gonorrhoea  in- 
crease to  a  violent  degree,  a  swelling  or  inflammation  of 
one  or  both  testicles  sometimes  supervenes.  The  same 
consequence  is  often  produced  by  astringent  injection-s 

3C 


386 


V enereal  Disease. 


imprudently  exhibited.  In  such  cases  the  general  reme- 
dies for  allaying  inflammation,  as  blood-letting,  cooling 
cathartics,  dikient  drinks  with  small  portions  of  nitre  dis- 
solved in  them,  become  necessary.  Besides  which,  the 
testicles  must  be  suspended  by  a  bandage,  and  kept  con- 
stantly moistened  with  cloths  wrung  out  of  lead  water, 
or  cold  vinegar  and  water,  often  renewed.  The  swelling 
of  the  glands  in  the  groins,  and  of  the  spermatic  chord 
itself,  require  a  similar  treatment;  which  will  also  ^.uc- 
ceed  in  reducing  the  contraction  or  thickening  of  the 
fore- skin,  should  that  symptom  occur. 

In  addition  to  this  general  treatment,  when  the  penis 
is  affected,  it  must  be  soaked  every  hour  in  warm  milk 
and  water  or  soap-suds,  which  should  often  be  injected 
between  the  skin  and  the  glands,  to  prevent  the  stagna- 
tion of  matter,  whose  extreme  acrimony  might  otherwise 
produce  a  mortification  of  the  parts.  In  these  affections, 
a  horizontal  posture,  and  spare  diet,  are  particularly  en- 
joined. 

In  case  of  much  pain  with  little  or  no  fever,  an  opiate 
may  be  given  at  bed-time.  And  if  hardness  remain  af- 
ter the  pain,  the  patient  should  have  mercurial  ointment 
rubbed  on  the  part,  night  and  morning,  and  take  freely 
of  a  strong  decoction  of  sarsaparilla.  But  if  a  swelling 
without  hardness,  follow,  one  or  two  vomits,  succeeded 
by  tonic  medicines,  with  the  use  of  the  cold  bath,  will 
generally  cure. 

Such  are  the  principal  symptoms,  which  attend  go- 
norrhoea. Its  consequences,  which  induce  a  new  state 
of  disease,  after  the  original  affection  is  removed,  are  no 
less  important. 

GLEET. 

This  is  known  by  a  constant  discharge  of  mucous 
matter,  after  the  inflammatory  symptoms  have  subsided; 
occasioned  by  the  relaxation  of  the  mucous  glands,  or 
stricture  in  the  urethra.  A  discharge  of  this  kind  may 
also  be  occasioned  by  hard  drinking,  violent  exercise, 
or  straining. 


Venereal  Disease, 


387 


Treatment.  The  cure  of  this  affection  depends  on 
the  use  of  uva  ursi  (sec  Materia  Medica)  or  balsam  capi- 
vi,  in  the  dose  of  from  twenty  to  thirty  drops,  thrice  a 
day;  or  tonic  medicines,  as  bark,  steel,  or  columbo, 
with  the  cold  bath,  and  a  nutritious  diet.  Besides  which, 
an  astringent  injection,  prepared  by  dissolving  twenty 
or  thirty  grains  of  alum  in  half  a  pint  of  water,  may  be 
injected  up  the  urethra,  twice  or  thrice  a  day.  If  a 
stricture  be  the  cause,  the  introduction  of  a  bougie  is 
the  only  remedy. 

SEMINAL  WEAKNESS, 

Is  another  consequence  of  clap,  when  there  has  been 
frequent  returns  of  it,  and  is  known  by  an  involuntary 
discharge  of  the  semen.  At  the  beginning  of  the  dis- 
ease there  is  a  great  inclination  to  erections,  and  the 
emission  of  the  semen  is  attended  with  pleasure;  but 
gradually  the  penis  becomes  lame,  the  testicles  hang 
lower  than  usual,  and  unless  they  are  otherwise  sus- 
pended, become  almost  a  burden  to  the  possessor. 

Although  veterans  in  the  wars  of  Venus,  are  most 
liable  to  be  complimented  with  this  kind  of  gleet,  yet 
it  may  originate  from  other  causes,  as  self-pollution,  a 
sudden  lift  or  strain,  hot  glysters,  straining  to  stool,  or 
the  imprudent  use  of  strong  diuretics.  Let  the  cause, 
however,  be  what  it  will,  there  is  no  drain  which  steals 
away  the  quintessence  of  life  and  strength  more  rapidly. 

Treatment.  If  the  emission  takes  place  on  the 
slightest  irritation,  as  heat,  wine,  &:c.  and  is  attended 
with  some  degree  of  spasm,  it  is  a  sign  the  patient  is  in 
a  very  rampant  state,  and  can  hardly  get  him  a  wife  too 
soon.  But  if  it  oozes  away  insensibly,  cold  bathing,  and 
tonic  medicines,  as  bark,  steel,  or  balsam  capivi  in  the 
usual  doses,  with  a  generous  diet,  are  the  best  remedies. 
Costiveness  should  be  carefully  avoided. 

OBSTRUCTION  OF  URINE, 

Is  another  formidable  symptom,  which  sometimes 
succeeds  gonorrhoea.  It  is  produced  by  certain  changes 


388 


r enereal  Disease. 


of  the  passage,  from  tumours  seated  high  up  in  the 
urethra,  or  contraction  of  the  urinary  canal. 

Treatment.  When  this  affection  arises  from  tu- 
mours, a  cure  may  be  attempted,  by  the  use  of  the  mer- 
curial pills,  (see  Recipe  25,)  night  and  morning,  and  a 
decoction  of  sarsaparilla,  or  mezereon;  but  it  is  often 
incurable. 

When  spasmodic  constriction  of  the  passage  is  the 
cause,  it  will  be  removed  by  the  warm  bath  or  fomenta- 
tions. The  penis  may  also  be  rubbed  with  camphora- 
ted oil,  (see  Recipe  65)  or  equal  parts  of  aether  and  lau- 
danum. If  this  fail  to  take  off  the  spasm,  bleed,  and 
give  laudanum  in  large  doses. 

POX, 

Is  the  venereal  disease  in  its  confirmed  state,  mani- 
fested by  chancres,  buboes,  or  warts  about  the  genitals. 
To  these  succeed  ulcers  in  the  throat,  nose  and  tongue, 
blotches  on  various  parts  of  the  body,  with  nocturnal 
pains,  especially  in  the  shin  bones,  and  shoulders. 

The  system  is  now  filled  wdth  the  horrid  poison, 
which,  unless  mercifully  arrested,  will  soon  ulcerate  the 
eyes,  consume  the  nose,  contract  the  body,  and  convert 
the  loveliest  form  into  such  a  mass  of  corruption,  such 
a  dunghill  of  stench,  such  a  picture  of  ghastliness,  as  is 
sufficient  to  strike  the  guilty  person  with  terror. 

A  pallid  youth,  beneath  a  shade, 

A  melancholy  scene  display'd; 

His  mangled  face,  and  loathsome  stains, 

Proclaim'd  the  poison  in  his  veins; 

He  raised  his  eyes,  he  smote  his  breast. 

He  wept  aloud,  and  thus  addressed: 

Forbear  the  harlofs  false  embrace^ 
Though  lewdness  wear  an  angeV s  face: 
Be  wise  by  my  experience  taught; 
I  die^  alas!  for  want  of  thought,^'* 

Cotton. 


Venereal  Disease* 


389 


ELEGY. 

Weep  o'er  the  jniseries  of  a  wretched  maid, 
Who  sacrific'd  to  man  her  health  and  fame; 
Whose  love,  and  truth,  and  trust,  were  all  repaid, 
By  \^ant  and  woe,  disease  and  endless  shame. 

Curse  not  the  poor  lost  wretch,  who  ev'ry  ill 
That  proud  unfeeling  man  can  heap,  sustains; 

Sure  she  enough  is  curst,  o'er  whom  his  will 
Inflani'd  by  brutal  passion,  boundless  reigns.  - 

Spurn  not  my  fainting  body  from  your  door, 
Here  let  me  rest  my  weary  weeping  head; 

No  greater  mercy  would  my  wants  implore; 
My  sorrows  soon  shall  lay  me  with  the  dead. 

Who  now  beholds,  but  loaths  my  faded  face, 
So  wan  and  sallow,  chang'd  with  sin  and  care? 

Or  who  can  any  former  beauty  trace, 

In  eyes  so  sunk  with  famine  and  despair? 

That  I  was  virtuous  once,  and  beauteous  too. 

And  free  from  envious  tongues  my  spotless  fame: 

These  but  torment,  these  but  my  tears  renew. 
These  aggravate  my  present  guilt  and  shame. 

Where  were  my  virgin  honours,  virgin  charms? 

Oh!  whither  fled  the  pride  I  once  maintained? 
Or  where  the  youths  that  woo'd  me  to  their  arms? 

Or  where  the  triumphs,  which  my  beauty  gain'd? 

Ahl  say,  insidious  Demon!  Monster!  where? 

What  glory  hast  thou  gain'd  by  my  defeat? 
Behold  the  miseries  I  am  doom'd  to  bear. 

Such  as  have  brought  me  to  my  winding  sheet.'* 

Treatment.  Happily  for  mankind,  the  Governor 
of  the  world,  is    a  father  who  pitieth  his  children,^^  and 


390 


Veyiereal  Disease. 


afflicts  them,  not  to  kill,  but  to  cure.  In  mercy  he  has 
appointed  a  medicine  for  this  dreadful  malady.  A  medi- 
cine, which,  when  taken  in  sufficient  quantity,  quickly 
flies  to  all  parts  of  the  system,  attacks  the  disease  at 
every  post,  drives  it  from  gland  to  gland,  and  with  a  fi- 
delity and  courage  truly  admirable,  never  gives  it  rest 
until  it  has  completely  expelled  it  from  the  body,  and 
restored  the  patient  to  former  health  and  vigour.  This 
wonderful  medicine  is  mercury,  which  requires  only 
to  be  so  managed  as  to  obtain  full  possession  of  the  sys- 
tem; not  exceeding  it  by  salivation,  nor  falling  short  of 
it  by  untimely  purging.  To  hit  this  desirable  point,  let 
one  of  the  mercurial  pills  (see  Recipe  25),  be  given 
night  and  morning,  until  the  system  is  fully  charged 
with  the  medicine,  which  may  be  known  by  a  slight 
soreness  of  the  mouth  and  gums,  and  foetid  breath. 
This  fortunate  state  .of  things,  carefully  supported  a  few 
weeks,  will  remove  the  disease. 

If  the  mercury  affects  the  bowels,  lessen  the  dose,  or 
give  it  at  longer  intervals,  or  use  the  mercurial  ointment; 
and  if  there  is  an  increased  secretion  of  the  salivary 
glands,  we  should  omit  the  mercury  for  a  few  days,  and 
take  a  tea-spoonful  of  flour  of  sulphur,  in  a  glass  of  milk 
or  flaxseed  tea,  night  and  morning. 

In  this  way  the  disease  may  generally  be  cured  in  a 
short  time.  It  will  always  be  prudent,  to  continue  the 
mercury  in  small  doses  for  ten  or  twelve  days  after  the 
total  disappearance  of  all  the  symptoms. 

There  are  cases,  however,  where  mercury  will  not 
answer;  as  in  scrophulous  habits,  and  when  the  blood 
is  vitiated.  In  these,  the  nitric  acid  should  be  preferred, 
and  from  one  to  two  drachms  of  it,  diluted,  (see  Re- 
cipe 16,)  may  be  taken  in  the  day.  This  medicine  seems 
especially  adapted  to  cases  where  the  habit  of  body  is 
much  debilitated,  from  the  long  continuance  of  the  dis- 
ease, or  where  it  has  acquired  great  irritability  from  an 
incautious  use  of  mercury.  It  is  also  a  sovereign  cure 
of  spongy  gums,  eruptiorrs,  ulcers,  nocturnal  pains,  and 
all  the  train  of  consequences,  usually  attendant  on  this 
disease,  when  of  long  standing  and  imperfectly  cured. 


Venereal  Disease 


391 


In  the  treatment,  therefore,  of  venereal  patients,  too 
much  attention  cannot  be  paid  to  mark  the  peculiarities 
of  habit;  and  we  should  always  remember,  that,  when 
unfavourable  appearances  supervene  from  the  use  of 
mercury,  other  medicines,  as  the  nitric  acid,  or  tar  wa- 
ter, (see  Recipe  3  6  &  32)  or  decoctions  of  prickly  ash, 
mezereon,  lobelia,  sarsaparilla,  shumach,  or  poke 
bounce.  (See  Materia  Medica.) 

In  this  disease,  there  are  certain  symptoms  which  re- 
quire local  treatment.  Thus,  a  chancre,  which  is  a  small 
red  pimple,  terminating  in  ulcer,  with  hard  edges,  and 
generally  situated  on  some  part  of  the  prepuce  or  the 
fore-skin  of  the  penis,  is  best  removed  by  the  applica- 
tion of  caustic;  or,  if  recent,  washing  with  spirits  or 
brandy,  or  a  solution  of  kali,  (see  Recipe  30,)  and  ap- 
plying dry  lint  to  the  sore,  with  cleanliness,  will  gene- 
rally prove  sufficient. 

When  a  bubo  supervenes,  which  is  known  by  pain 
and  swelling  in  the  groin,  every  attempt  should  be  made 
to  disperse  it  by  rubbing  in  mercurial  ointment  on  the 
inside  of  the  thigh  or  calf  of  the  leg;  and  the  applica- 
tion of  cloths  wTung  out  of  lead  water,  or  ice,  if  it  can 
be  procured,  to  the  swelling,  renewed,  as  often  as  they 
become  warm. 

Besides  which,  the  patient  should  be  kept  still,  the 
bowels  open,  and  the  pain  alleviated  by  the  use  of  opi- 
ates at  bed-time. 

When  a  tendency  to  suppuration  is  discovered,  in- 
stead of  the  former  plan,  warm  poultices  of  flaxseed, 
m.ilk  and  bread,  or  mush  and  fat,  must  be  applied  and 
renewed  three  or  four  times  a  day,  until  the  tumour 
breaks.  After  which,  one  or  two  poultices  may  be  con- 
tinued, to  accelerate  the  discharge  of  matter,  for  a  day 
or  two,  when  the  sore  must  be  kept  clean  with  soap- 
suds, and  dressed  night  and  morning  with  basilicon, 
spread  on  lint,  until  the  matter  is  mostly  discharged. — 
The  sore  should  then  be  dressed  with  lint  dipt  in  a  so- 
lution of  kali,  (see  Recipe  30)  once  or  twice  in  twenty- 
four  hours,  as  may  be  indicated  by  the  discharge  of  mat- 
ter;  and  lastly,  when  there  is  no  appearance  of  proud 


392 


Venereal  Disease. 


flesh,  it  may  be  healed  with  Turner's  cerate,  or  any 
healing  ointment. 

Warts  are  a  frequent  aFection  of  the  penis,  and  some- 
times remain  after  the  venereal  virus  is  expelled.  In 
which  case  they  may  be  removed  by  ligatures,  or  the 
application  of  caustic. 

Regimen.  There  is  hardly  any  thing  of  more  im- 
portance in  the  cure  of  this  disease,  than  a  proper  regi- 
men. Inattention  to  this,  not  only  procrastinates  the 
cure,  but  often  endangers  the  patient's  life,  in  full  ha- 
bits, the  diet  should  always  be  light  and  cooling.  Exer- 
cise should  never  be  carried  to  excess,  and  the  patient 
should  wear  flannel  on  using  any  preparation  of  mercu- 
ry. Cleanliness  is  of  too  much  importance  ever  to  be 
neglected.  As  soon  as  the  disease  makes  its  appearance, 
the  infected  part  should  be  frequently  washed  in  milk 
and  water,  or  soap-suds;  and  if  from  a  neglect  of  clean- 
liness, venereal  ulcers  appear,  the  sores  must  be  well 
cleansed,  and  dressed  with  dry  lint,  night  and  morning. 
In  obstinate  cases  the  lint  should  be  dipt  in  the  solution 
of  kali. 

When  the  patient  is  in  delicate  health,  or  much  re- 
duced, a  nourishing  diet,  with  wine,  bark,  and  other  tQ^ 
nic  medicines,  are  proper,  with  pure  country  air. 

Prevention.  After  a  suspicious  connection,  it  be- 
comes a  prudent  man  to  discharge  his  urine,  as  soon  as 
possible,  and  wash  well  his  polluted  member,  by  draw- 
ing forward  the  fore-skin,  and  closing  the  end  with  his 
finger,  that  it  may  be  distended,  and  retain  for  a  few 
seconds  the  urine.  The  glans  and  penis  should  then 
be  well  washed  with  strong  soap-suds  or  grog.  | 

In  women,  besides  cleansing  the  external  parts,  some 
portion  of  the  wash  should  be  injected  up  the  vagina, 
by  means  of  a  female  syringe. 


393 


SCURVY. 

Symptoms.  An  unusually  weakened  state  of  the  bo- 
dy— pale  and  bloated  countenance — the  breathing  af- 
fected on  the  slightest  exertion — the  gums  soft,  swollen, 
and  inclined  to  bleed  on  being  rubbed,  and  sometimes 
putrid  ulcers  are  formed — the  teeth  become  loose — the 
breath  foetid — and  the  urine  high  coloured.  The  heart 
is  subject  to  palpitation — the  lower  extremities  to  drop- 
sical swellings — the  body  to  pains  of  a  pleuritic  or  rheu- 
matic kind — besides  which,  blotches  and  ulcers  break 
out  in  different  parts  of  the  skin,  and  often  terminate  in 
mortification. 

Causes.  Cold  moist  air — vitiated  or  scanty  diet — an 
indolent  life,  with  luxurious  indulgencies — corrupted 
water  or  provisions — and  whatever  may  weaken  the 
body,  or  vitiate  the  humours. 

Treatment.  Raw  and  fresh  vegetables  of  every 
description,  particularly  those  of  an  acid  kind;  and  fruits, 
such  as  lemons,  limes,  oranges,  sorrel,  &c.  (see  Ala- 
term  Medica,)  furnish  the  most  elfectual  remedies.  But 
as  these  are  not  at  all  times  to  be  obtained,  common 
vinegar,  or  nitrous  vinegar,  used  freely,  will  completely 
answer  the  end.  The  nitrous  vinegar  is  prepared  b}^  dis- 
solving three  or  four  ounces  of  nitre  or  saltpetre,  in  one 
quart  of  good  vinegar;  and  of  this  solution,  from  one 
to  two  spoonfuls  may  be  taken  three  or  four  times  a 
day,  according  to  th»  advanced  stage  of  the  disease;  and 
as  frequendy  some  of  it  may  be  used  in  bathing  the 
limbs,  where  they  are  either  stiffened,  swelled,  blotched, 
or  ulcerated.  Soda  water,  or  nitric  acid  (see  Recipe  16,) 
will  be  found  a  useful  auxiliary,  vv^hen.  the  disease  is 
inveterate.  • 

The  belly  most  freqyently  will  be  kept^pen  by  this 
medicine,  and  when  it  is  not,  the  exhibition  of  cream 
of  tartar,  or  tamarinds,  will  be  highly  beneficial.  When 
the  gums  arc  enlarged,  ulcerated  and  foetid,  the  mouth 
should  be  frequently  washed  with  a  decoction  of  bark, 

3  D 


394  Eruptions  of  the  s/cin. 

in  which  a  little  alum  is  dissolved,  and  the  gums  rub- 
bed with  a  powder  composed  of  equal  parts  of  finely 
pulverized  chiircoal  and  bark,  and  with  which  the  scor- 
butic ulcers  may  be  dressed  morning  and  night.  ThesCj 
ulcers  may  be  known  by  their  soft  and  spongy  edges.  I 

Regimen.  So  uncommonly  salutary  are  vegetablel 
in  this  disease,  that  whenever  they  can  be  had  fresh| 
they  should,  with  ripe  fruits  and  milk,  constitute  the 
chief  part  of  diet  for  scorbutic  patients.  When  these 
articles  cannot  be  procured,  a  mild,  nourishing  diet, 
with  w  ine,  cider  and  porter,  is  most  proper.  As  nothing 
is  of  more  importance  to  the  scorbutic,  than  breathing 
pure  fresh  air,  it  should  at  all  times  be  well  supplied. 
Seamen,  therefore,  affected  with  it,  ought  constantly  to 
keep  on  deck  in  fair  weather. 

ERUPTIONS  OF  THE  SKIN. 

There  subsists  so  intimate  a  relation  between  the  in- 
tei^al  and  external  parts  of  our  body,  that  no  disorder 
scarcely  takes  place  within,  that  does  not  show  itself  ul- 
timately on  the  surface. 

Diseases  of  the  skin,  are  therefore  very  numerous,  and 
as  they  most  commonly  arise  from  a  constitutional  cause, 
should  be  treated  by  general  remedies. 

Local  applications,  particularly  remedies,  which 
are  composed  of  mineral  poisons,  by  repelling  the 
vitiated  humours  to  the  brain,  lungs  or  bowels,  have  often 
produced  fatal  consequences. 

Persons  of  relaxed  habits,  especially  females,  are  sub- 
ject to  an  eruption,  attended  with  nedness  and  soreness 
of  the  skin,  forming  large  spots  on  the  face  and  neck. 
This  is  certainly  the  mark  of  a  constitutional  debility  and 
can  only  be  removed  by  tonics,  as  the  bark,  bitters,  so- 
lution of  arsenic,  nitric  acid,  he.  and  exercise.  Atten- 
tion should  also  be  paid  to  a  frequent  change  of  linen, 
and  the  skin  occasionally  dusted* with  starch. 

Cutaneous  eruptions  oftentimes  arise  from  a  foulness 
of  the  stomach;  in  which  case  occasional  vomiting  and 
purging  are  fotmd  to  be  highly  useful. 


Eruptions  of  the  skin. 


395 


There  are  eruptions  in  the  face  of  persons  of  appa- 
rent health,  called  grog  blossoms,  which  are  the  conse- 
fjaences  of  an  inflamed  liver,  from  a  too  frequent  use  of 
wine  and  spirits,  and  high  living. 

An  attempt  to  remove  these  pimples  by  external 
means  would  not  only  be  fruitless,  but  highly  danger- 
ous. Their  cure  can  only  be  effected  by  gradually  cor- 
recting he  habit  of  intemperance,  both  in  eating  and 
drinking. 

The  primary  affection  must  be  first  relieved.  This  is 
to  be  done  by  taking  every  night  from  half  a  grain  to 
one  grain  of  opium,  combined  with  two  grains  of  calo- 
mel. After  using  this  medicine  for  some  time,  or  until 
the  mouth  is  affected  by  salivation,  the  solution  of  arse- 
nic  (see  Recipe  21)  in  the  usual  dose,  twice  a-day,  for 
a  week  or  two,  will  complete  the  cure. 

Scaly  affections  of  the  skin,  or  clusters  of  small  pim- 
pies  over  the  body,  usually  occur  in  some  habits,  spring 
and  fall,  which  will  generally  yield  to  sassafras  tea,  or 
cream  of  tartar  and  sulpur,  in  doses  of  a  tea- spoonful, 
night  and  morning.  Should  this  fail,  the  decoction  of 
sarsaparilla,  and  one  of  the  mercurial  piils  night  and 
morning,  for  a  week  or  two,  and  afterwards  the  solu- 
tion of  arsenic,  will  always  succeed. 

The  prickly  heat,  is  an  eruption  which  is  sometimes 
very  troublesome;  but  commonly  disappears  on  keeping 
moderately  cool,  and  avoiding  warm  drinks.  When 
this  is  not  sufficient,  and  the  itching  is  severe,  the  ca- 
tharcic  mixture  (see  Recipe  11,)  taken  two  or  three 
times  a  week,  and  the  external  applications  of  elixir  vi- 
triol, diluted  in  water,  will  prove  a  good  remedy. 

The  nettle  rashy  so  called  from  its  resemblance  to 
eruptions  made  by  the  stinging  of  nettles,  is  sometimes 
attended  with  intolerable  itching.  When  many  of  the 
eruptions  run  together,  the  part  seems  swelled,  forming 
tumours,  such  as  appear  after  being  struck  with  the  lash 
of  a  whip,  and  betwixt  them,  the  skin  is  inflamed  and 
very  red.  The  elevations  appear  suddenly,  but  seldom 
^continue  long,  and  are  apt  to  disappear  from  one  part 
of  the  body  and  appear  again  in  another. 


396 


Itch. 


The  itching  is  the  greatest  inconvenience,  as  it  some- 
times prevents  the  patient  from  sleeping,  but  the  disease 
is  not  dangerous. 

With  respect  to  the  cure,  observing  a  cooling  regimen 
and  a  laxative  state  of  the  bowels,  is  generally  sufficient; 
but  if  fever  supervenes,  it  will  be  proper  to  bleed  and 
give  the  antimonial  solution  (sec  Recipe  6,)  in  small 
doses,  to  determine  the  fluids  to  the  surface.  When  the 
disease  is  of  a  chronic  nature,  and  often  returns,  twenty 
drops  of  elixir  vitriol,  taken  thrice  a-day,  in  a  cup  of 
camomile  or  centaury  tea,  or  infusion  of  columbo,  should 
be  directed. 

To  allay  the  itching,  a  solution  of  borax  in  vinegar, 
half  an  ounce  of  the  Ibrmer  to  half  a  pint  of  the  latter, 
affords  a  good  wash. 

ITCH. 

The  itch  consists  of  small  watery  pimples  of  a  con- 
tagious nature,  which  first  appear  between  the  fingers, 
aixl  on  the  wrists;  but  in  process  of  time  spreading  over 
the  whole  body,  except  the  face;  attended  with  a  great 
degree  of  itchiness,  especially  after  being  heated  by  ex- 
ercise, or  when  warm  in  bed. 

In  the  cure  of  this  disease,  sulphur  used  internally 
and  externally,  is  considered  as  a  certain  specific.  A  tea- 
spoonful  of  the  flour  of  sulphur  taken  in  milk  or  spirit 
and  water,  thrice  a  day,  and  some  of  it  rubbed  on  the 
inside  of  the  arms  and  legs  at  bed  time,  either  dry,  or 
in  the  form  of  unction,  will  soon  effect  a  cure.  Where 
the  sulphur  is  disliked,  the  mercurial  ointment  may  be 
rubbed  in  every  night,  about  the  size  of  a  nutmeg, 
until  the  eruption  entirely  disappears.  The  itch  lotion 
(see  Recipe  43)  Vv'ill  also  be  found  an  effectual  remedy  in 
this  complaint,  by  washing  the  parts  affected  with  it  two 
or  three  times  a  day.  The  internal  exhibition  of  sulphur 
alone,  or  combined  with  cream  of  tartar,  should  always 
precede  or  accompany  the  external  applications.  Dock 
root,  tobacco,  and  Virginia  snake  root,  (see  Materia 
Medica)  have  sometimes  cured  when  the  above  reme- 
dies failed. 


Tetter y  or  Ring- Worm — Tinea,  or  Scald  Head,  397 


TETTER,  OR  RING- WORM, 

Is  an  eruption  that  attacks  various  parts  of  the  skin, 
in  a  circle,  with  an  inflamed  basis,  which  gradually 
spreads,  forming  an  extensive  excoriation,  sometimes 
moibt,  at  other  times  dry;  and  is  attended  with  smarting 
and  itching,  succeeded  by  scurfy  scales. 

Treatment.  If  the  habit  of  body  be  not  faulty,  ex- 
ternal applications  alone,  are  often  sufficient  to  remove 
this  affection. 

The  saturated  solution  of  borax,  with  vinegar  or  le- 
mon juice,  one  drachm  to  two  ounces,  is  an  excellent 
remedy  , without  producing  the  least  pain  on  its  applica- 
tion. The  itch  lotion,  when  prepared  with  double  its 
strength,  is  also  equally  good.  Covering  the  eruption 
daily  with  ink,  or  the  juice  of  black  walnut,  (see  Mate- 
ria Medica,)  has  often  effected  a  cure. 

Where  the  disease  is  inveterate,  internal  medicines 
must  be  exhibited  and  continued  for  some  time;  buc4i 
as  limewater,  flour  of  sulphur,  the  mercurial  pills,  or 
which  is  preferable  to  all  of  them  in  obstinate  cases,  the 
solution  of  arsenic.  (See  Recipe  27.) 

TINEA,  OR  SCALD  HEAD. 

Symptoms.  This  disease  consists  of  little  ulcers  at 
the  roots  of  the  hair,  which  discharge  a  humour  that 
dries  into  a  white  scab,  or  thick  scales,  and  has  an  offen- 
sive smell.  It  is  not  only  a  very  troublesom.e  complaint, 
but  contagious,  and  when  united  with  a  scrofulous  con- 
stitution, found  extremely  difficult  to  be  cured. 

Treatment.  When  it  is  merely  a  complaint  of  the 
skin,  it  may  be  successfully  treated  with  topical  a[  plica- 
tions. In  the  beginning  of  the  affection,  washii  14  the 
sores  well  night  and  morning  with  strong  soap-suds,  or 
a  decoction  of  tobacco,  or  by  applying  an  oint  vient, 
made  with  jimson-we(  d,  or  pride  of  China,  (see  Mate- 
ria  Medicuj)  will  frequently  effect  a  cure.  But  if  the  dis- 


398  Scrofula,  or  King's  Evil. 

order  prove  obstinate,  the  head  ough;:  to  be  shaved,  an 
after  being  well  washed  with  soap-suds,  covered  with 
tar  and  suet,  spread  on  a  bladder.  My  very  ingenious 
friend  Doctor  Chapman,  has  assured  me,  when  every 
other  application  failed  in  removing  this  disease,  he  al- 
ways succeeded,  by  having  the  affected  parts  washed 
with  this  lotion*  twice  a-day. 

But  in  cases  where  topical  applications  are  resisted, 
medicine  should  be  given  internally,  as  limewater,  flour 
of  sulphur,  or  calomel,  according  to  circumstances;  and 
to  hasten  the  cure,  the  course  of  the  fluids  may,  in  the 
mean  time,  be  in  part  diverted  from  the  head,  by  blis- 
ters or  sinapisms. 

SCROFULA,  OR  KING'S  EVIL. 

This  disease  is  most  frequent  among  the  children  of 
the  poor,  and  negroes,  who  are  ill  fed,  ill  lodged  and  ill 
clothed;  it  is  also  hereditary,  but  never  contagious.  It 
most  commonly  occurs  in  children  from  the  third,  to 
the  seventh  year;  frequently,  however,  it  discovers  itself 
at  a  later  period  in  habits  peculiarly  disposed  to  it. 

Symptoms.  It  is  known  by  indolent  hard  tumors  of 
the  lymphatic  glands,  particularly  those  of  the  neck,  be- 
hind the  ears,  or  under  the  chin.  The  upper  lip,  and 
division  of  the  nostrils  arc  swelled,  with  a  smooth  skin, 
and  hard  belly.  In  the  progress  of  the  disease,  these 
tumors  degenerate  into  ulcers  of  bad  digestion;  the  dis- 
charge of  which  consists  of  a  white  curdled  matter,  re- 
sembling somewhat  the  coagulum  of  milk;  and  pre- 
vious to  their  breaking,  they  acquire  a  sort  of  purple 
redness,  and  a  softness  to  the  touch. 

Treatment.  As  soon  as  these  tumors  are  first  dis- 
covered, endeavour  to  disperse  them  by  sea  bathing,  or 
bathing  in  salt  and  water,  one  pound  to  three  gallons  of 

*  Take  liver  of  sulphur,  three  drachms — Spanish  soap,  one 
drachm — lime  water,  eight  ounces— rectified  spirits  of  wine,  two 
drachms,  mix. 


Jaundice. 


399 


water,  or  cold  water  alone,  or  by  frequent  application 
of  lead  water.  Warm  fomentations  and  poultices  of  every 
kind,  do  harm,  as  they  seem  only  to  hurry  on  a  sup- 
puration, which,  if  possible,  should  be  prevented. — A 
large  draught  of  sea  water  every  morning  will  be  found 
a  useful  drink.  Peruvian  bark  and  steel  used  alternately 
every  two  weeks,  will  be  of  infinite  service  by  giving 
tone  to  the  system.  The  remedy,  however,  most  to  be 
depended  upon  in  this  disease,  is  the  muriat  of  lime, 
given  in  doses  of  ten  to  eighty  drops,  gradually  in- 
creased, three  or  four  times  a  day,  diluted  with  water 
or  tea.  When  a  suppuration  takes  place,  the  solution 
of  arsenic  should  be  given  twice  or  thrice  a  day.  The 
best  application  lo  scrofulous  ulcers,  is  a  powder  com- 
posed of  one  pound  of  finely  powdered  bark,  and  one 
ounce  of  white  lead  in  fine  powder,  mixed  well  together; 
or  a  fine  powder  of  calamine-stone  alone,  and  the  ulcers 
covered  with  it  daily,  keeping  it  on  by  brown  paper  and 
a  bandage.  Where  these  are  not  to  be  obtained,  the 
constant  application  of  linen  rags  moistened  with  a  so- 
lution of  one  ounce  of  sugar  of  lead,  in  a  pint  of  water, 
may  answer  every  purpose. 

With  respect  to  the  diet,  it  should  be  nourishing  and 
easily  digestible,  avoiding  all  viscid  food.  Moderate  ex- 
ercise in  a  dry  warm  air  is  exceedingly  beneficial. 

JAUNDICE. 

Symptoms.  Yellow^ness  of  the  skin,  but  chiefly  of 
the  eyes,  the  urine  also  yellow — inactivity — anxiety 
and  uneasiness  at  the  pit  of  the  stomach — itchiness  of 
the  skin. 

Causes.  Whatever  obstructs  the  passage  of  the  bile, 
through  its  natural  channel. 

Treatment.  The  indications  of  cure  are,  to  re- 
move the  obstruction:^,  which,  as  it  originates  from  dif- 
j  ferent  causes,  will  require  different  modes  of  treatment. 

As  vicid  bile  is  the  most  common  cause  of  this  com- 
plaint, in  full  habits,  and  where  there  are  any  feverish 


400  TFhite  Swelling. 


symptoms,  begin  the  cure  with  bleeding,  afterwards 
give  an  emetic,  and  then  a  day  after  a  dose  of  calomel 
and  jalap,  which  should  be  often  repeated  if  necessary. — 
Common  soap  in  large  quantities  has  been  exhibited 
with  much  success  in  this  case,  but  as  this  is  disagreea- 
ble to  take,  the  salt  of  tartar,  which  has  the  same  ad- 
vantage, or  soda,  may  be  taken  in  doses  of  twenty  or 
thirty  grains,  three  or  four  times  a  day,  dissolved  in  the 
infusion  of  col  umbo. 

If  there  be  any  acute  pain  in  the  region  of  the  liver, 
with  a  quickness  of  the  pulse,  bleed  more  freely,  give 
one  of  the  mercurial  pills,  (see  Recipe  25,)  night  and 
morning,  until  a  ptyalism  is  produced,  use  the  warm 
bath,  and  apply  a  blister  over  the  pained  part.  In  cases 
of  much  pain,  three  or  four  table-spoonfuls  of  olive  oil 
should  be  swallowed,  and  if  it  do  not  succeed  in  quiet- 
ing the  pain,  one  or  two  tea- spoonfuls  of  aether,  or  thir- 
ty drops  of  laudanum  must  be  given.  The  warm  bath, 
or  bags  of  hot  salt  applied  to  the  right  side,  are  like- 
wise beneficial.  After  the  obstruction  is  removed,  the 
tonic  powders  or  pills,  (see  Recipe  4  &  23,)  or  dog- 
wood, or  cherry-tree  bark,  (see  Materia  Medica^)  are 
necessary  to  restore  the  tone  of  the  system. 

Regimen.  The  diet  ought  to  be  regulated  according 
to  the  constitution  of  the  patient.  In  plethoric  or  fever- 
ish habits,  the  diet  should  be  low,  and  in  cases  of  ex- 
cessive debility  it  should  be  of  the  most  nourishing 
kind.  Vegetables,  by  creating  flatulency  and  acidity,  are 
to  be  avoided.  Mucilaginous  drinks  are  peculiarly  pro- 
per; and  in  many  instances,  sucking  a  new  laid  egg 
every  morning,  on  an  empty  stomach,  has  succeeded 
in  curing  this  disease,  when  all  other  means  failed. 

WHITE  SWELLING, 

Is  distinguished  by  an  acute  pain,  without  any  exter- 
nal inflammation,  of  a  joint,  attended  with  a  gradual  in- 
crease of  its  size.  Though  all  the  joints  are  occasion- 
ally subject  to  it,  yet  its  most  usual  seat  is  in  the  knee. 

White  swellings  are  generally  of  a  scrofulous  nature, 


Wiite  Swelling. 


401 


but  sometimes  they  are  produced  by  rheumatic  affec- 
tions, and  sometimes  follow  strains  that  have  been  ne- 
glected, or  badly  treated. 

Treatment.  As  soon  as  an  affection  of  this  kind 
I  is  discovered,  the  patient  should  remain  in  bed,  and  the 
'  limb  kept  perfectly  at  rest;  without  which,  remedies 
.  cannot  produce  any  good  effect. 

I  The  great  object,  is  to  prevent  the  formation  of  mat- 
ter, by  the  immediate  application  of  leeches,  or  scarifi- 

!  cations  to  the  part  affected,  and  by  which,  eight  or  ten 

i  ounces  of  blood  may  be  taken  away,  every  other  day, 
or  oftener,  according  to  circumstances.  The  whole  joint 
should  then  be  kept  continually  wet  and  cold  with  the  so- 
lution of  crude  sal  ammoniac,  (see  Recipe  28)  by  means 
of  four  or  five  folds  of  old  linen.  After  the  local  affec- 
tion is  somewhat  abated,  frictions  with  the  volatile  lini- 
ment, or  a  mixture  of  soft  soap  and  spirits  of  camphor, 
to  which  may  be  added  some  tincture  of  cantharides, 
will  have  a  good  effect.  With  one  or  other  of  these  li- 

i  niments,  the  joint  is  to  be  rubbed  well  twice  a  day,  and 
afterwards  covered  with  a  piece  of  flannel  that  has  been 
soaked  in  the  same.  If  this  should  not  produce  good 
effects,  the  part  must  be  rubbed  night  and  morning  with 
mercurial  ointment,  in  the  quantity  of  two  drachms  at  a 
time,  and  continued  until  the  mouth  is  gently  affected. — 
The  cure  may  then  be  completed  by  small  blisters  on 
each  side  of  the  joint,  which  should  be  kept  running  for 

j  a  length  of  time. 

'     If  the  disease  in  spite  of  these  remedies  continue  to 
■  advance,  emollient  poultices  must  be  applied  often,  un- 
til various  abscesses  appear,  and  these  should  be  opened 
as  soon  as  they  seem  to  point,  and  afterwards  to  be 
treated  as  ulcers. 

'  In  cases  where  the  white  swelling  is  evidently  scrofu- 
lous, tonic  medicines,  as  bark,  steel,  &:c.  and  a  nourish- 
ing diet,  to  correct  the  constitutional  affection,  with  sti- 
mulating applications  to  the  joint,  form  the  best  reme- 
dies. 

3  E 


402 


Sea-  Sickness. — Intoxication. 


SEA-SICKNESS. 

Symptoms.  A  most  unplcasiint  giddiness,  with  great 
nausea  and  vomiting,  occasioned  by  the  motion  of  the 
vessel.  The  duration  of  this  complaint  is  very  uncertain. 
Generally  it  lasts  but  a  day  or  two,  but  in  some  cases 
it  will  continue  the  whole  voyage. 

Treatment.  Though  time,  perhaps,  is  the  only 
cure,  yet  it  will  be  greatly  alleviated  by  keeping  the 
bowels  open.  A  tea- spoonful  of  aether  in  a  glass  of  wa- 
ter, relieves  the  convulsive  affection  of  the  stomach. — 
High-seasoned  food  and  acidulated  drinks  are  peculiar- 
1)^  proper.  But  nothing  will  be  found  more  serviceable 
than  exercise,  cheerfulness,  and  fresh  air.  Persons 
should,  therefore,  never  go  below;  but  romp  on  the 
decks,  cut  capers  in  the  shrouds,  and  divert  their  minds 
and  move  their  bodies,  as  much  as  possible. 

INTOXICATION. 

Symptoms.  Like  every  other  kind  of  phrenzy,  it 
comes  on  with  a  burning  redness  of  the  cheeks — a  swell- 
ing  of  the  jugular  veins — and  a  fiery  wildness  of  the  eyes. 
The  tongue  is  considerably  affected,  but  very  differently 
in  different  stages  of  the  disease.  At  first,  only  glib  and 
voluble — then  loud,  and  louder  still — at  length  noisy  and 
excessively  disagreeable.  The  patient  now  is  quite  on  his 
top-ropes,  and  nothing  goes  down  with  him,  but  the 
most  ranting  songs,  roaring  laughs,  ripping  oaths,  and 
bluntest  contradictions,  accompanied  with  loud  thump- 
ing of  the  fist  on  the  table,  especially  if  politics  be  the 
topic  of  conversation.  There  is  no  complaint  that  affects 
patients  so  differently — some  it  makes  so  ridiculously 
loving,  as  to  hug  and  kiss  one  another — others  it  kin- 
dles into  such  rage  and  fury,  that  they  will  frequently 
throw  the  bottles  and  glasses  at  the  heads  of  their  best 
friends.  And  indeed,  so  wonderful  is  its  influence,  that 
it  is  no  uncommon  thing  with  it,  to  inspire  cowards 
with  courage,  to  teach  truth  to  liars — and  to  make  per- 


Intoxication.  403 

sons  naturally  reserved,  loquacious  and  even  boister- 
ous. 

The  memory  now  partakes  of  the  general  infirmity, 
being  hardly  able  to  connect  the  parts  of  a  story  begun. 
The  tongue  at  length,  as  if  about  to  lose  its  powers,  be- 
gins to  trip — then  to  stammer — and  at  last  the  utterance 
dies  away  generally  in  some  idle  half-finished  threat  or 
oath.  Hiccups  now  ensue,  with  a  silly  grin  of  the  mouth, 
which  continues  half  open,  from  the  falling  of  the 
lower  jaw.  The  face  puts  on  an  air  of  great  stupidity — 
the  eyes  turn  heavy  and  sleepy,  and  the  patient  begins  to 
nod,  with  his  head  btnding  forward;  until,  becoming 
too  heavy,  he  sinks  under  the  table,  and  not  unfrequent- 
ly,  after  a  filthy  vomiting,  falls  asleep  among  the  dogs 
and  cats. 

Treatment.  In  a  fit  of  drunkenness,  the  patient 
should  instantly  be  placed  in  an  airy  situation,  the  head 
and  shoulders  kept  erect,  and  the  neck -cloth  and  collar 
of  the  shirt  unbound,  and  copiously  bled,  if  his  situation 
seems  alarming.  The  next  step  is  to  provoke  vomit- 
ing, by  the  most  expeditious  means,  such  as  tickling 
the  throat  with  a  feather  or  the  finger.  Cold  applica- 
tions to  the  head,  as  cloths  wrung  out  of  cold  water,  or 
vinegar  and  water,  often  renewed,  will  have  the  happi- 
est effect:  so  will  plunging  the  body  into  cold  water; 
for  many  instances  have  occurred  of  persons  having  fall- 
en overboard  in  a  drunken  fit,  and  having  been  picked 
up  sober. 

Therefore,  it  will  be  found  an  admirable  mode  of  so- 
bering  those  vagabonds  who,  as  a  nuisance,  infest  the 
streets  of  every  city,  to  take  them  to  the  nearest  pump, 
and  there  deluge  them  with  cold  water.  This  will  not 
only  bring  them  to  their  senses,  but  send  them  off,  un- 
der that  sense  of  shame,  which  ever  follows  the  commis- 
sion of  a  crime  so  truly  ignominious. 


404 


TO  RECOVER  PERSONS  APPARENTLY 
DROWNED. 

As  soon  as  the  body  is  taken  out  of  the  water,  it 
should  instantly  be  rubbed  dry,  and  wrapped  in  warm 
blankets;  unless  the  cooling  process  should  be  first  ne- 
cessary, in  consequence  of  the  patient  being  in  a  half 
frozen  state.  For,  in  that  case,  the  body  ought  to  be 
rubbed  with  snow,  or  flannels  wrung  out  of  cold  water' 
or  vinegar,  before  any  degree  of  artificial  warmth  is  ap- 
plied. After  which  the  patient  is  to  be  placed  on  a  bed 
or  mattress,  with  the  head  elevated,  and  air  is  then  in- 
stantly to  be  blown  into  the  lungs,  by  inserting  the  pipe 
of  a  pair  of  bellows  into  one  nostril,  or  for  want  of  that  ar- 
tide,  a  tobacco  pipe,  a  quill,  or  even  a  card  folded  in 
the  form  of  a  tube;  while  the  mouth  and  opposite  nos- 
tril are  closed  by  an  assistant,  or  covered  with  some  wet 
paper.  By  thus  forcing  air  into  the  lungs,  and  alternate- 
ly expelling  it,  by  pressing  the  chest,  respiration  may 
happily  be  restored.  Volatile  salts,  or  vinegar,  should 
also  frequently  be  applied  to  the  nostrils. 

Next  the  intestines  are  to  be  stimulated  by  injections 
of  warm  spirits  and  water,  or  mulled  wine.  It  will  be 
more  effectual  still,  if  some  warm  spirits  and  water  be 
introduced  immediately  into  the  stomach,  by  means  of 
a  syringe  and  a  long  flexible  tube.  While  using  the  in- 
ternal stimulants,  a  bladder  of  warm  water  should  be 
applied  to  the  region  of  the  stomach,  and  the  legs  and 
arms  briskly  rubbed  with  a  warm  hand,  or  with  flannel, 
extending  the  friction  gradually  to  the  thighs,  belly, 
and  chest. 

At  that  critical  period,  when  sneezing,  slight  twitch- 
ings  or  gasping,  mark  the  first  dawn  of  returning  life, 
it  will  be  prudent  to  moderate  the  stimulating  powers. 
When  respiration  and  the  power  of  swallowing  are  re- 
stored, the  patient  should  be  kept  moderately  warm, 
and  gentle  perspiration  encouraged  by  warm  drinks. 


To  Recover  Persons  apparently  Dead.  405 


Should  feverish  symptoms  ensue,  moderate  bleeding, 
together  with  mild  laxatives  and  cooling  regimen,  will 
complete  the  cure. 

TO  RECOVER  PERSONS  APPARENTLY 
KILLED  BY  LIGHTNING  OR 
NOXIOUS  VAPOURS. 

Treatment.  Instantly  throw  cold  water,  with  some 
force,  in  large  quantities  on  the  face  and  head,  which 
should  be  often  repeated  for  some  time,  and  if  conveni- 
ent the  whole  body  may  be  plunged  into  cold  water, 
and  afterwards  wiped  dry,  and  warmth  gradually  appli- 
ed. If  the  body  and  extremities  feel  cold,  instead  of 
'  the  application  of  cold  water,  the  warm  bath  about  the 
temperature  of  the  blood,  should  be  prepared  as  soon 
as  possible,  and  the  patient  immersed  in  it  for  twenty 
or  thirty  minutes,  using  frictions  at  the  same  time  with 
the  hand.  As  soon  as  the  patient  is  taken  out  of  the 
bath,  his  skin  must  be  wiped  dry,  and  wrapped  up  in 
warm  flannel,  and  gentle  stimulants  employed  to  pro- 
duce a  reaction. 

When  by  these  means  the  circulation  of  the  blood  is 
increased,  and  the  extremities  become  warm,  bleeding 
will  be  proper,  and  must  be  often  repeated,  if  the  pa- 
tient have  fever,  or  complain  of  pain.  Besides  which, 
evacuations  must  be  procured  by  purgative  medicines 
and  glysters,  and  the  antiphlogistic  plan  in  every  res- 
pect strictly  pursued,  until  the  febrile  symptoms  abate. 
After  which  tonic  medicines  with  wine,  in  case  of  debi- 
lity, are  of  infinite  service. 

POISONS. 

Treatment.  The  cure  of  poisons  swallowed,  whe- 
ther vegetable  or  mineral,  requires  either  an  immediate 
evacuation,  or  a  counteraction  of  their  effects. — There- 
fore, as  soon  as  possible,  throw  in  an  emetic,  quick  in  . 
its  operation,  as  blue  or  white  vitriol  in  a  dose,  from  ten 


406 


Poisons* — Musquito  Bites, 


to  thirty  grains,  repeated  in  fifteen  minutes,  if  necessa- 
ry, and  assisted  by  copious  draughts  of  warm  water. 

To  remove  the  stupefaction,  which  generally  ensues 
after  an  imprudent  dose  of  opium,  acids  of  the  Vegeta- 
ble class,  as  lime  juice,  or  vinegar  diluted  with  water,  . 
ought  to  be  exhibited  freely.  But  if  the  patient  lay  in  a 
deadly  stupor,  with  cold  extremities,  the  warm  stimu- 
lating plan  must  first  be  adopted.  Sinapisms  or  blisters 
ought  instantly  to  be  applied  to  the  extremities;  or  as  a 
more  effectual  remedy  to  produce  reaction  in  the  sys- 
tem, the  legs  and  arms  should  be  whipped  well  with 
rods,  and  the  soles  of  the  feet  seared  with  red  hot  iron. 

When  mineral  poisons  are  taken,  if  a  vomiting  does 
not  follow,  attempt  the  expulsion  by  a  quick  emetic  as 
above  described,  and  let  it  be  worked  off  with  warm , 
water,  adding  to  each  draught,  twenty  or  thirty  grains 
of  salt  of  tartar;  which  medicine  should  be  continued 
until  the  cure  is  completed.  The  exhibition  of  sweet 
oil,  milk,  and  mucilaginous  drinks,  in  large  quantities, 
do  good  by  obtunding  the  acrimony  of  the  poison,  and 
must  not  be  omitted.  The  same  method  should  be  pur- 
sued, whether  arsenic,  corrosive  sublimate,*  sugar  of 
lead,  tartar  emetic,  or  any  metallic  salt  has  been  taken; 
and  unless  the  remedies  are  quickly  resorted  to,  death 
inevitably  will  take  place. 

If  in  consequence  of  the  effects  of  poison,  fever  super- 
vene, the  antiphlogistic  treatment  as  recommended  in 
inflammatory  complaints,  must  be  pursued. 

BITES  OF  MUSQUITOES. 

Musquito  bites  often  degenerate  into  painful  acrid 
ulcers,  particularly  on  the  legs,  in  consequence  of 
scratching  them.  It  is  therefore  proper,  where  these  in- 
sects are  troublesome,  to  wear  loose  linen  buskins  to 

*  It  has  recently  been  discovered  by  an  eminent  Spanish  phy- 
sician, that  the  whites  of  eggs  diluted  with  water,  is  an  antidote 
against  corrosive  sublimate;  and  that  common  lump  sugar  is  an 
antidote  against  verdigrise. 


Bites  of  V enomous  Animals. 


407 


guard  the  legs  in  the  evening;  and  when  this  has  been 
neglected,  apply  oil,  vinegar,  lime  juice,  or  camphora- 
ted spirits  to  the  part,  to  allay  the  itching  and  tingling 
occasioned  by  their  bites. 

BITES  OF  VENOMOUS  ANIMALS. 

Treatment.  The  bites  of  all  venomous  animals 
are  cured  by  the  same  means,  which  are  very  simple,  if 
the  remedies  were  always  at  hand.  The  caustic  volatile 
alkali,  or  eau  de  luce,  is  a  certain  antidote  against  the 
bites  or  stings  of  the  most  venomous  serpents  or  spi- 
ders. Lint  wetted  with  either  of  these  should  instantly 
be  applied  to  the  injured  part,  and  renewed  as  it  be- 
comes dry.  A  tea-spoonful  of  the  same  medicine  must 
also  be  given  to  the  patient  in  a  little  water,  every  hour 
or  oftener,  as  may  be  indicated  by  the  symptoms. 

Lunar  caustic  possesses  the  same  admirable  virtue, 
and  should  always  be  employed,  when  the  other  medi- 
cines are  not  at  hand.  The  best  mode  of  using  it,  is  to 
dissolve  five  or  six  grains  of  the  caustic  in  two  or  three 
ounces  of  water,  and  keep  the  affected  parts  moistened 
with  it,  as  above  directed.  Some  of  the  same  ought  al- 
so to  be  given  internally,  only  in  a  more  diluted  state* 
When  these  remedies  cannot  be  procured,  a  cataplasm 
made  of  quick  Hme  and  soap,  should  be  applied  to  the 
bitten  part,  and  as  much  cayenne,  or  red  pepper,  mix- 
ed  in  spirits,  sw^allowTd  every  hour  or  two,  as  the  sto- 
mach can  possibly  bear. 

The  juice  of  plantain  and  hore-hound,  in  doses  of  a 
table-spoonful  every  hour  or  two,  is  considered  a  good 
remedy  against  the  bites  of  veromous  serpents,  as  is  also 
squirrel  ear.  (See  Materia  Medica.) 

As  soon  as  a  person  is  bitten  by  a  poisonous  animal, 
a  tight  ligature  should  be  made  above  the  injured  part, 
until  suitable  remedies  can  be  employed.  When  the 
toe  or  finger  is  bitten,  cutting  it  off"  immediately  will 
prevent  mischief  from  the  poison.' 

It  is  also  a  fact  that  suckinf;  the  wound  immediately 
after  being  bitten,  will  arrest  the  progress  of  the  poison. 


408 


Hydrophobia. 


This  was  lately  verified  in  the  neighbourhood  of  Au- 
gusta, in  the  case  of  a  youth  who  was  bitten  by  a  rattle 
snake,  and  the  wound  being  instantly  sucked  by  a  man 
present,  prevented  its  mischievous  eft'ects;  nor  did  any 
injury  result  to  the  operator. 

When  this  remedy  is  resorted  to,  it  may  be  prudent 
for  the  operator  to  guard  his  mouth  with  sweet  oil  or 
milk,  and  not  swallow  the  saliva.  It  should  never  be 
attempted  by  a  person  with  a  sore  mouth  or  very  bad 
teeth. 

HYDROPHOBIA;  OR,  THE  BITE  OF  A  MAD. 

DOG. 

This  disease  is  so  dreadfully  alarming  at  all  times, 
that  we  ought,  as  the  best  means  of  security,  to  endea- 
vour to  prevent  it. 

Therefore,  as  the  infection  of  a  rabid  animal  is  con- 
veyed by  his  teeth  into  the  wound,  the  sooner  it  is  re- 
moved, the  less  chance  is  there  for  absorption.  Conse- 
quently, the  bitten  part  should  immediately  be  washed, 
and  where  it  can,  be  cut  out,  or  burnt  with  a  hot  iron, 
deeper  and  more  extensive,  than  the  wound  itself.  Af- 
ter which,  the  wound  should  be  filled  with  mercurial 
ointment,  and  kept  open  for  some  time. 

In  addition  to  this  treatment  we  should  diligently  em- 
ploy mercury,  both  internally  and  externally,  to  exite 
a  salivation. 

When  the  disease  is  once  begun,  large  bleedings  with 
purgative  medicines,  must  be  resorted  to,  and  frequent- 
ly repeated.  Sweet  oil  has  been  highly  recommended 
for  this  malady,  in  very  large  quantities.  Opium,  in 
such  doses  as  are  given  in  tetany,  has  also  been  said  to 
produce  beneficial  effects. 

It  is  probable,  the  caustic  volatile  alkali,  might  prove 
an  antidote  against  the  poison  of  a  rabid  animal,  as  that 
of  the  most  venomous  serpents. 

Chick-weed  and  emetic- weed,  (s^e  Materia  Medica,) 
is  considered  by  some,  a  remedy  in  this  dreadful  dis^ 
ease. 


Guinea  Worm. — Sxvallowing  of  Pins, 


409 


GUINEA  WORM. 

Tliis  disease  is  frequent  among  the  new  negroes,  and 
is  pretty  uniform  in  its  appearance. 

The  patient  is  at  first  sensible  of  an  itching;  and,  on 
examining  the  part,  a  small  blister  is  generally  to  be 
perceived.  Frequently  two  or  three  of  these  blisters 
manifest  themselves;  and  at  times  the  part  has  the  ap- 
pearance of  being  stung  with  nettles.  Beneath  these  blis- 
ters, or  other  affections,  on  raising  the  skin,  there  ap- 
pears  a  small  piece  of  mucus,  on  removing  which,  the 
head  of  a  worm  is  to  be  seen.  It  is  generally  firmly 
fixed,  and  .requires  force  to  detach  it  from  the  parts  be- 
neath. When  once  separated  with  the  forceps,  it  can 
be  twisted  round  a  ligature,  or  a  piece  of  lint,  and  by 
this  means  a  portion  of  it,  a  foot  or  two  in  length,  may 
be  extracted  in  the  course  of  one  day. 

In  its  appearance,  it  resembles  what  is  called  bobbin, 
or  small  tape,  and  is  of  the  same  size.  It  is  transparent 
and  moist,  and  appears  to  contain  something  like  a  white 
liquid.  As  much  of  it  as  will  come  away  without  pull- 
ing, is  daily  to  be  extracted.  It  is  always  dangerous  to 
use  force,  on  account  of  the  risk  of  breaking  the  worm. 
When  this  accident  happens,  it  occasions  the  most  acute 
pain,  accompanied  with  swelling  and  inflammation  of 
the  neighbouring  parts;  and  these  symptoms  will  often 
continue  for  two  or  three  weeks.  In  this  case  the  worm 
also  takes  a  different  course,  and  soon  throws  itself  into 
another  part. 

SWALLOWING  OF  PINS. 

Pins  and  other  hard  and  sharp  pointed  substances, 
sometimes  pass  into  the  gullet,  and  even  into  the  sto- 
mach. It  is  too  prevalent  a  practice,  when  any  substance 
of  this  kind  has  passed  into  the  stomach,  to  endeavour 
to  hasten  its  passage  through  the  bowels,  by  giving 
some  opening  medicine, 

3  F 


410 


Chilblains* 


Milk  alone,  or  mixed  with  raw  eggs,  should  be  im- 
mediately takrii,  as  by  the  coagulation  which  takes 
place,  the  substance  may  become  so  involved,  as  to  pre- 
vent its  doing  injury  to  the  stomach;  and  on  the  same 
principle  should  opening  medicines,  which  render  the 
feces  thin,  be  avoided;  as  by  allowing  the  faeces  to  ob- 
tain some  firmness,  there  will  be  the  greater  probability 
of  the  pointed  parts  of  the  substance  being  so  sheathed, 
as  to  prevent  their  injuring  the  intestines.  It  is  but  rare, 
however,  that  any  serious  injury  is  done  to  the  stomach 
by  the  point  of  the  pin. 

CHILBLAINS. 

Symptoms.  Are  inflammatory  swellings,  chiefly  af- 
fecting the  heels,  feet,  and  toes,  and  sometimes  the  arms 
and  hands,  attended  with  great  pain  and  degree  of  itch- 
ing. 

Causes.  This  disease  is  owing  to  a  weaker  action 
of  the  small  vessels,  most  remote  from  the  heart,  occa- 
sioned by  cold  or  dampness,  and  occurs  most  frequent- 
ly among  children  and  people  of  delicate  constitutions. 

Treatment.  Where  the  parts  are  frost  bitten  by 
long  exposure  to  the  cold,  they  should  be  plunged  into 
the  coldest  water,  and  afterwards  rubbed  with  salt. — 
When  they  arc  only  benumbed,  they  may  be  rubbed 
with  strong  brine,  or  spirit  of  camphor,  or  opodeldoc, 
(see  Recipe  62  &  63,)  to  which  a  little  laudanum  may 
be  added,  if  the  pain  or  itching  be  very  troublesome; 
but  when  they  crack  and  discharge  an  acrid  matter, 
poultices  should  be  applied,  but  not  for  any  length  of 
time,  as  their  continuance  is  apt  to  produce  fungous 
excrescences.  The  application  of  diachylon  plaster  to 
the  part,  if  the  exciting  cause  be  avoided,  will  after- 
wards eff*ect  a  cure. 


411 


SCALDS  AND  BURNS. 

The  leading  indication  in  affections  of  this  kind,  is  to 
abate  the  pain;  and  this  is  effected  by  whatever  induces 
i  insensibility  of  the  part;  as  plunging  it  suddenly  into 
cold  water,  covering  it  with  ice  or  snow,  or  applying 
soft  soap,  brandy,  laudanum,  aether,  or  spirits  of  tur- 
pentine. Of  these  remedies,  spirits  of  turpentine  deserve 
the  preference,  especially  where  the  skin  is  detached. 
A  liniment  prepared  of  basilicon  ointment  and  spirits 
of  turpentine,  and  applied  twice  a  day  to  burns,  when 
there  is  a  loss  of  substance,  alleviates  the  pain  like  a 
charm,  and  brings  the  sore  to  suppuration  in  a  few 
days,  which  may  afterwards  be  healed,  by  a  liniment 
composed  of  equal  parts  of  linseed  oil  and  lime-water, 
or  by  the  application  of  the  simple  saturnine  ointment, 
or  Turner's  cerate,  (see  Recipe  67,  68  &  71,)  or  what 
is  preferable,  an  ointment  made  with  the  thorn  apple. 
(See  Materia  Medica.)  The  application  of  cotton  to  a 
burn  or  scald,  admirably  alleviates  the  pain. 

Blisters,  which  occur  from  burns,  should  be  opened 
as  soon  as  the  irritation  induced  has  subsided;  and  in 
order  to  prevent  any  bad  effects  from  the  admission  of 
air,  small  punctures  ought  to  be  made  in  preference  to 
incisions. 

The  constitutional  treatment  of  burns  must  be  regu- 
lated by  the  degree  of  inflammation  and  pain.  When  the 
former  is  considerable,  and  affects  the  system  at  large, 
bleeding,  mild  laxatives,  and  other  remedies  suited  to 
inflammation  in  general,  become  necessary;  and  in  the 
latter,  where  the  pain  is  violent,  laudanum  ought  to  be 
given  in  pretty  large  doses. 

When  the  patient  is  of  i  debilitated  habit,  wine  and 
bark,  will  be  of  infinite  service;  and  when  the  sores  do 
not  heal  kindly,  astringent  washes  are  necessary,  as  re- 
commended for  indolent  ulcers. 


412 


HERNLE,  OR  RUPTURES. 

The  term  rupture  was  adopted  when  it  was  supposed 
that  the  disease  was  always  the  consequence  of  a  rup- 
ture of  some  of  the  parts,  which  form  the  cavity  of  the 
abdomen  or  belly.  But  anatomical  examination  has 
shown,  that  this  disease,  as  it  most  commonly  appears, 
takes  place  in  consequence  of  the  protrusion  of  some  of 
the  contents  of  the  abdomen,  through  openings,  which 
are  natural  to  the  human  body,  and  without  any  violent 
separation  of  the  parts.  It  w^ill  not  be  necessary  to  de- 
scrilje  particularly,  the  several  kinds  of  ruptures  which 
may  occur.  It  will  be  sufficient  to  observe,  that  rup- 
tures will  generally  appear  in  the  groin,  in  the  upper 
and  fore  part  of  the  thigh,  and  at  the  navel.  Those 
which  appear,  at  first,  just  above  the  groin,  will,  in 
general,  if  neglected,  soon  descend  into  the  scrotum,  in 
men,  and  into  the  labia pudendi^  of  women.  The  tumour, 
in  this  disease,  is  most  commonly  formed  by  a  part  of 
the  intestinal  canal,  or  of  the  omentum  or  caul,  or  of 
both. 

In  those  ruptures  which  are  capable  of  easy  redaction, 
as  soon  as  a  pressure  is  properly  made,  the  protruded 
intestine  generally  slips  up,  all  at  once,  with  a  kind  of 
guggling  noise,  and  the  tumour  immediately  subsides; 
where  the  tumour  has  chiefly  been  formed  by  omentum^ 
that  passes  up  more  slowly,  and  without  that  particular 
noise  which  accompanies  the  return  of  the  intestine. 

In  those  cases  of  rupture,  where  stricture  has  taken 
place  on  the  protruded  parts,  and  the  reduction  is  there- 
by  rendered  difficult,  the  belly  becomes  tense  and  pain- 
ful, the  pain  of  the  belly,  as  well  as  of  the  tumour  itself, 
being  much  increased  on  the  least  exertion;  a  total 
stoppage  of  discharge  by  stool  takes  place,  and  the  pa- 
tient is  distressed  by  a  sickness  at  the  stomach,  which 
increases,  until  there  is  almost  constant  retching  and 
vomiting. 

To  prevent  these  evils,  it  is  only  necessary,  that  such 


Hernia^  or  Ruptures. 


413 


a  pressure  be  kept  on  the  opening,  through  which  the 
part  protruded,  as  may  prevent  its  again  falling  out:  the 
pressure  of  the  fingers  shows  how  effectually  this  may  be 
done,  and  if,  at  the  time  this  pressure  is  made,  the  pa- 
tient but  gently  coughs,  he  will  discover  how  forcibly  the 
protruding  parts  are  driven  outwards,  and  how  necessa- 
ry it  is  to  guard  against  their  future  propulsion.  The 
ingenuity  of  artists  has  devised  a  mode,  by  spring  trus- 
ses, of  applying  a  constant  and  properly  adapted  pres- 
sure, requiring  little  or  no  exertion,  or  even  attention,  of 
the  patient  himself.  No  person,  therefore,  in  the  situa- 
lion  just  described,  should  suffer  a  day  to  pass,  more 
than  is  absolutely  unavoidable,  without  obtaining  the 
comfort  and  security  which  will  follow  the  application 
of  a  truss;  since,  if  it  be  adopted  at  the  first  appearance 
of  the  disease,  not  only  will  the  malady  be  stopt  in  its 
progress;  but,  if  employed  with  constancy  and  steadi- 
ness, a  radical  cure  may  be  gained. 

If  it  be  discovered  that  the  return  of  the  rupture  is  be- 
come difficult,  and  that  a  stricture  on  the  protruded  part 
has  perhaps  taken  place,  the  person  should  place  him- 
self on  his  back,  inclining  to  the  side  opposite  to  that 
diseased,  with  the  head  low,  and  the  breech  raised  high, 
the  knees  being  drawn  upwards,  and  a  little  outwards. 
Whilst  lying  in  this  posture,  he  should  endeavour,  by 
such  pressure  as  he  has  been  accustomed  to  employ  for 
its  reduction,  to  return  the  protruded  part.  Should  he 
not  succeed  in  this  attempt,  he  may  lay  on  the  part  a 
piece  of  folded  linen,  dipped  in  cold  water,  and  repeat 
his  attempts.  If  these  be  also  unsuccessful,  he  may  then 
be  assured  that  a  stricture  has  taken  place,  and  as  his 
life  depends  on  its  speedy  removal,  no  time  should  be 
lost,  in  obtaining  the  best  surgical  assistance  that  can  be 
had. 

The  umbilical  hernia^  or  rupture  of  the  navel,  is  most 
common  to  childhood,  and  is  easily  cured  if  early  attend- 
ed to. 

The  means  to  be  adopted  are  simply  these — the  pro- 
truded parts  are  to  be  returned,  which  may  be  easily 
done  by  slight  pressure  with  the  finger;  and  retained  in 


414 


Falling  of  the  Fundament. 


their  proper  situation,  by  a  conical  piece  of  very  soft 
sponge,  thoroughly  cleared,  by  rubbing  between  the 
thumb  and  finger,  of  sand  and  minute  shells,  which 
may  be  lodged  in  its  cavities.  This  being  kept  to  the 
part,  by  the  point  of  one  finger,  is  to  be  secured  by  se- 
veral slips  of  strongly  adhesive  plaster,  three  inches  in 
length,  crossing  each  other  in  a  stellated  form. 

PROLAPSUS  ANI,  OR  FALLING  OF  THE 
FUNDAMENT. 

It  is  occasioned  by  weakness  of  the  part,  which  is 
aggravated  by  costiveness,  hemorrhoidal  swellings,  di- 
arrhoeas, and  particularly  a  tenesmus. 

Treatment.  The  cure  is  to  be  effected  by  reduc- 
tion of  the  part  as  soon  as  possible,  and  retaining  it  in 
its  natural  position,  by  a  compress,  secured  with  a  ban- 
dage. To  effect  its  reduction,  the  patient  should  be  laid 
on  his  face  in  bed,  with  his  buttocks  raised  above  the 
rest  of  his  body,  and  while  supporting  the  tumour  with 
the  palm  of  one  hand,  the  part  of  the  gut  least  protrud- 
ed is  to  be  first  introduced  with  the  fore-finger  of  the 
other.  As  soon  as  the  bowels  are  returned,  the  bandage 
is  to  be  applied.  When  the  protruded  parts  become  in- 
flamed, from  being  exposed  to  the  air,  before  a  reduc- 
tion be  attempted  the  inflammation  is  to  be  alleviated  by 
blood-letting,  and  fomenting  the  part  with  a  warm  de- 
coction of  mullein. 

Persons  who  are  subject  to  falling  of  the  fundament, 
would  do  well  to  wash  the  part,  immediately  after  eva- 
cuation, with  a  strong  decoction  of  oak  bark. 

Such  remedies  as  tend  to  recover  the  tone  of  the 
parts  most  readily,  are  to  be  used,  as  cold  bathing  par- 
tially applied,  and  injections  of  the  decoction  of  bark, 
with  the  addition  of  a  little  laudanum,  or  starch,  if  there 
be  an  acrid  discharge.  With  the  same  view,  tonic  me- 
dicines, as  steel,  columbo  or  bark,  should  be  taken 
thrice  a  day.  Persons  subject  to  this  disease  ought  to 
use  such  diet  as  produces  but  little  excrements,  and 


IFarts  and  Corns, — TFhitloxv.  415 


those  of  a  soft  consistence.  Rye  mush  and  molasses, 
used  exclusively  as  a  diet  for  a  few  weeks,  has  been 
found  to  produce  a  perfect  cure. 

WARTS  AND  CORNS. 

When  warts  are  attended  with  inconvenience,  they 
may  be  removed  cither  by  ligature  or  caustic,  accor- 
ding to  the  extent  of  their  base.  The  caustics  common- 
ly used  for  this  purpose  are  crude  sal  ammoniac,  blue 
vitriol,  lunar  caustic,  or  tincture  of  steel,  applied  every 
day. 

As  corns  are  formed  entirely  from  pressure,  we  must 
carefully  avoid  the  occasional  cause,  by  wearing  wide 
shoes;  and  for  their  removal,  they  should  be  bathed  for 
some  time  in  warm  water,  and  then  pared  off  as  much 
as  possible,  without  giving  pain;  after  which  apply  over 
them  a  wafer  or  diachylon  plaster,  to  defend  them  from 
the  cold  air.  Another  method  is  to  allow  them  to  grow 
to  some  length,  through  a  piece  of  perforated  leather 
properly  secured  by  plaster,  or  any  other  means,  and 
afterwards  to  pick  them  out,  or  to  cut  round  their  root, 
by  which  they  may  for  the  most  part  be  easily  turned 
out. 

WHITLOW, 

Is  an  inflamatory  swelling  of  the  fingers,  confined 
generally  to  the  last  joint,  particularly  under  the  nail, 
attended  with  a  sense  of  most  burning  heat. 

Causes.  It  is  often  induced  by  external  violence, 
as  the  puncture  of  a  pin,  or  contusion  of  the  nail;  but 
it  most  frequently  takes  place  without  any  obvious 
cause. 

Treatment.  The  moment  that  a  sense  of  any  pre- 
ternatural  heat,  or  pain  is  felt,  in  order  to  effect  reso- 
lution,  apply  a  blister,  or  let  the  finger  be  bathed,  seve- 
ral times  a  day,  in  a  mixture  composed  of  four  ounces 


416 


Tumours^  or  Boils. 


of  spirits  of  camphor,  half  an  ounce  of  laudanum,  and 
two  drachms  of  extract  of  lead.  When  those  articles 
are  not  at  hand,  holding  the  hand  in  brandy,  or  sharp 
vinegar,  or  very  hot  water  often  repeated,  and  conti- 
nued for  some  time,  will  likewise  prevent  suppuration. 
According  to  my  honourable  and  worthy  friend,  John 
Taliaferro,  Esq.  of  Virginia,  the  application  of  a  piaster 
composed  of  lime  and  soft  soap  is  a  sovereign  remedy. 

Should,  however,  these  means  fail  to  produce  reso- 
lution, the  best  method  is  to  make  an  early  opening 
down  to  the  bone,  which  will  occasion  the  patient  much 
less  pain,  than  allowing  the  matter  gradually  to  make 
its  own  way  to  the  surface;  which  likewise,  from  the 
length  of  time  required,  is  attended  with  more  mischief 
to  the  parts.  The  wound  is  then  to  be  brought  to  sup- 
puration by  emollient  poultices,  and  afterwards  treated 
as  an  ulcer. 

TUMOURS,  OR  BOILS. 

Every  tumour  terminates  inoneof  the  following  ways. 
By  an  absorption  of  the  substance  into  the  circulation; 
by  a  conversion  into  pus^  or  degeneration  into  scirrhus 
or  cancer. 

There  are  two  plans  for  the  treatment  of  tumours. 
Either  by  resolution  or  maturation.  In  the  first,  there  is 
a  dispersion  of  the  swelling;  and  in  the  second,  it  is 
brought  to  maturity,  and  of  course,  a  discharge  takes 
place  by  spontaneous  rupture,  or  by  incision. 

Treatment.  In  the  treatment  of  tumours,  we 
must  be  regulated  by  the  nature  and  condition  of  them. 

If,  for  example,  they  should  appear  on  any  part  of 
the  body,  with  only  a  slight  degree  of  pain,  tension,  and 
inflammation,  and  no  preceding  indisposition,  that  may 
induce  us  to  believe  it  to  be  the  eftbrt  of  nature,  to  get 
rid  of  some  noxious  matter;  we  should  then  endeavour 
to  disperse  the  inflammation  by  strictly  observing  a  cool- 
ing regimen,  by  bleeding,  by  mild  cathartics,  and  by 
topical  remedies,  as  cloths  rung  out  of  lead  water,  or 
saturnine  poultices,  (see  Recipe  68 J  often  renewed. 


Scirrhus,  or  Ca?icer. 


417 


But  when  they  arise  from  bad  habits  of  body,  their 
suppuration  in  all  cases  should  be  promoted  as  soon 
as  possible,  by  warm  emollient  poultices,  as  milk  and 
bread,  flaxseed,  or  mush  and  fat,  renewed  every  three 
or  four  hours. 

When  the  suppuration  is  complete,  if  the  matter  do 
not  make  its  own  way^  the  tumour  is  to  be  opened  with  a 
lancet  or  caustic,  and  after  applying  one  or  two  poul- 
tices, it  should  be  dressed  with  basilicon  (see  Recipe  70) 
spread  very  thin  on  lint,  night  and  morning,  until  it 
ceases  to  discharge:  after  which,  with  Turner's  cerate, 
or  some  healing  ointment.  If  fungous  or  proud  flesh 
appear,  it  must  be  destroyed  by  sprinkling  red  precipi- 
tate, burnt  alum,  or  rhubarb  over  it,  or  touch  the  pro* 
tuberant  part  with  blue  vitriol  or  caustic. 

Attention  must  also  be  paid  to  the  general  state  of 
the  system,  since  if  that  particular  state  on  which  the  tu- 
mors depend,  is  not  changed,  the  patient  may  be  ha- 
rassed a  considerable  time,  by  their  recurrence. 

Hence,  in  debilitated  constitutions,  the  tonic  and 
strengthening  remedies,  such  as  bark,  sea  bathing,  &:c. 
should  be  employed,  and  in  robust  and  gross  habits, 
sulphur  and  cream  of  tartar,  ought  to  be  taken  in  doses 
of  a  tea- spoonful  thrice  a  day. 

A  tumour  on  the  gums  is  to  be  brought  to  suppura- 
tion by  applying  roasted  figs  internally  to  the  part,  as 
warm  as  can  be  borne;  and  afterwards  the  mouth  is  to 
be  frequently  washed,  either  with  the  astringent  or  de- 
tergent gargle,  (see  Recipe  41  8c  42.)  But  when  it  ari- 
ses from  a  carious  tooth,  a  removal  of  it  becomes  neces- 
sary, in  order  to  eflfect  a  cure. 

SCIRHHUS,  OR  CANCER. 

A  cancer  is  a  spreading  sore  preceded  by  a  hard  or 
scirrhous  swelling  of  the  part,  attended  with  pain,  and, 
for  the  most  part,  a  thin  foetid  discharge.  Any  part  of 
the  body  may  be  the  seat  of  this  disorder,  though  it  is 
mostly  confined  to  the  glands. 

A  scirrhus  in  the  breast  commences  with  a  small 

3  Q 


418  Scirrhus  or  Cancer. 


hard  and  moveable  kernel  like  a  pea,  without  discolora- 
tion  and  without  pain.  This  generally  increases  in  size 
and  in  hardness.  The  neighbouring  parts  become  affec- 
ted with  a  sense  of  pain  and  uncommon  heat,  as  if 
touched  with  fire,  or  j)ierced  with  sharp  needles.  In- 
flammation now  succeeds,  which  ending  in  an  ulcer  or 
open  sore,  the  cancerous  state  begins.  When  the  sur- 
face of  the  skin  is  attacked  by  cancer,  it  generally  be- 
gins \w\x\i  a  small  excrescence  of  the  w^atery  kind,  which 
becomes  a  cancerous  ulcer,  on  suffering  even  the 
slightest  irritation. 

Treatment.  If  the  unfortunate  subject  of  this 
malady  is  a  young  subject,  and  of  a  good  constitution, 
and  the  complaint  in  its  worst  state;  the  best  advice  to 
be  given  is  to  apply  to  some  experienced  surgeon,  and 
have  the  part  extirpated  immediately.  When  extirpa- 
tion cannot  be  accomplished,  every  attempt  should  be 
made  to  stop  the  progress  of  the  complaint,  by  general 
and  topical  blood-letting,  by  a  cooling  diet,  consisting 
principally  of  milk  and  vegetables,  and  to  keep  the 
bowels  open  by  the  occasional  use  of  mild  cathartics. 

In  the  incipient  scirrhous  state,  wearing  a  hare  or  rabbit 
skin  over  the  part  affected  is  extremely  useful,  and 
when  this  cannot  be  procured  a  mercurial  plaster  will 
be  found  serviceable.  Lead  w^ater  in  this  state  has  like- 
wise been  employed  with  some  success,  by  arresting 
the  progress  of  the  complaint.  Every  thing  that  tends 
to  irritate,  such  as  rubbing,  picking,  or  handling  the 
affected  part,  should  be  avoided.  Tht  clothing  should 
be  so  regulated  as  not  to  press  too  hard  on  the  tumour, 
nor  to  keep  it  disagreeably  warm,  nor  leave  it  painfully 
cold. 

When  the  cancer  becomes  ulcerated,  various  have 
been  the  applications,  but  those  which  give  the  least 
pain  arc  the  most  eligible.  The  narrow  leaied  dock-root 
has  proved  an  effectual  cure  of  this  malady,  in  many 
instances.  The  manner  of  applying  it,  is  by  boiling  the 
root  till  it  is  quite  soft,  then  bathe  the  part  affected  with 
the  decoction  three  times  a  day  as  hot  as  can  be  borne, 
using  the  root  in  form  of  poultice. 


Conunon  Ulcers, 


419 


Another  remedy  for  this  disease,  is  the  sokition  of 
arsenic.  It  is  to  be  taken  inwardly  thrice  a  day  in  its 
usual  doses  (see  Recipe  22)  and  to  be  applied  exter- 
nally in  a  diluted  state.  A  drachm  of  the  solution  is 
first  to  be  diluted  with  a  quart  of  rain  water,  and  made 
gradually  stronger,  till  it  be  double  of  that  strength. 
This  mixture  may  be  either  applied  on  lint,  or  made 
into  a  poultice  with  the  crumb  of  bread. 

The  solution  of  kali  on  lint,  has  also  been  employed 
with  some  success  in  cancerous  ulcers;  beginning  with 
it  weak,  and  gradually  increasing  its  strength. 

The  charcoal  powder  (see  Recipe  5)  is  an  excellent 
application  to  cancerous  sores,  particularly  when  they 
have  an  offensive  smell.  It  may  be  daily  applied  in  pow- 
der on  lint;  carefully  observing  not  to  expose  the  ulcer 
to  the  air,  on  changing  the  dressing.  Carrots  (see  Ma- 
teria Medica)  are  also  a  good  application  to  foetid  ulcers. 

COMMON  ULCERS. 

No  disease  occurs  more  frequently  among  the  poor 
and  negroes,  than  ulcers  of  the  legs;  for  this  obvious  rea- 
son, they  are  more  exposed  to  accidents,  and  when  they 
meet  with  a  wound  or  contusion  in  the  leg,  the  injured 
part  inflames,  and  becomes  an  ulcer  for  want  of  proper 
care.  Women  with  obstructed  menses  are  also  subject 
to  this  disorder.  . 

Ulcers  receive  various  appellations,  and  require  dif- 
ferent modes  of  treatment,  according  to  their  appear- 
ances, or  the  causes,  and  peculiarities  of  the  constitution 
of  the  patient.  Where  the  disease  is  local,  topical  reme- 
dies only  are  necessary;  but,  when  it  is  connected  with 
any  disorder  of  the  constitution,  medicines  that  affect 
the  whole  system,  are  absolutely  necessary.  W^hen 
ulcers  appear  to  have  had  any  effect,  either  in  carrying 
off,  or  preventing  disorders  to  which  the  constitution 
may  have  been  liable,  a  cure  should  not  be  attempted, 
until  an  issue  is  made  in  some  more  convenient  part, 
which  should  be  made  to  discharge  nearly  as  much  as 
the  ulcer.  (See  Issues.) 


420 


Common  Ulcers. 


An  ulcer  not  attended  by  any  considerable  degree  of 
pain  and  inflammation,  and  which  affords  a  discharge  of 
mild  matter,  of  whitish  consistence,  the  granulation 
firm,  red,  and  of  healthy  appearance,  is  called  the  simple 
purulent  ulcer,  and  is  entirely  a  topical  affection.  This 
ulcer  is  the  most  simple  that  can  occur,  both  in  its 
symptoms  and  method  of  cure;  and  it  is  to  the  state 
of  such  a  sore,  that  every  other  species  must  be  reduc- 
ed, before  a  permanent  cure  can  be  effected. 

The  causes  of  purulent  ulcers  are,  all  wounds  that  do 
not  unite  without  the  formation  of  matter,  and  every  ex- 
ternal accident  that  terminates  in  suppuration,  with  an 
opening,  as  a  consequence  of  it. 

In  the  cure  of  this  species  of  ulcers,  first  remove  any 
inflammation  which  may  attend  it,  by  emollient  poul- 
tices, as  bread  and  milk,  renewed  every  three  hours.  As 
soon  as  the  inflammation  subsides,  omit  the  poultices, 
lest  the  granulations  be  rendered  lax  and  flabby;  but 
keep  the  sore  clean,  and  dress  with  some  mild  ointment, 
such  as  Turner's  or  the  simple  cerate  (see  Recipe  71  &. 
67)  spread  very  thin  on  soft  lint,  or  apply  dry  lint,  and 
upon  that  a  piece  of  linen  spread  with  the  ointment. 
The  thorn  apple  ointment  (see  Materia  Medica)  will 
be  found  a  most  valuable  application  to  wounds.  The 
frequency  of  dressing  ulcers,  must  depend  on  the  quan- 
tity of  matter  discharged;  but  in  general  they  should  be 
dressed  once  in  twenty,  four  hours  in  winter,  and  twice 
in  summer,  and  the  greatest  care  should  be  taken,  in 
renewing  the  dressings,  not  to  expose  the  sore  for  any 
time  to  the  air.  When  the  ulcer  is  filled  up  with  sound 
flesh,  the  remaining  part  of  the  cure  consists  in  the  for- 
mation of  a  cicatrix.  This  is  frequently  the  work  of  na- 
ture; but,  in  many  cases,  w^hen  every  deficiency  appears 
to  be  supplied,  still  a  cure  is  tedious;  the  surface  of  the 
sores  remaining  raw,  and  discharging  freely.  In  such 
cases,  the  sores  shoijld  be  washed  twice  a  day  with  sim- 
ple lime  water,  or  with  some  of  the  astringent  washes, 
(see  Recipe  29.) 

Ulcers  of  the  irritable  kind,  which  yield  a  thin  icho- 
rous  discharge,  sometimes  bloody,  and  give  pain  on 


\ 


Common  Ulcers,  421 

being'  touched,  are  brought  to  a  favourable  state  by 
warm  fomentations,  as  decoctions  of  marsh  mallows,  of 
the  tops  of  wormwood,  of  camomile  flowers,  or  hops 
(see  Materia  Medica)  and  by  pouhices  of  the  same  in- 
gredients,  to  which  may  be  added  l:)ruised  flaxseed  or 
oatmeal.  But  so  soon  as  the  irritability  of  the  ulcer  is 
removed,  these  applications  should  be  discontinued,  and 
the  common  remedies  for  ulcers  employed. 

However,  there  are  cases  of  irritable  ulcers  being  ren- 
dered more  painful  by  the  application  of  any  thing  warm,, 
and  when  this  happens,  such  fomentations  are  not  to  be 
employed.  There,  the  sweet  oil  or  saturnine  poultices 
applied  cold,  will  be  found  most  beneficial. 

Indolent  ulcers  which  are  marked  by  a  backwardness 
in  forming  ja^ranulations,  and  in  those  that  are  formed,  a 
want  of  sufficient  strength  to  bring  about  a  complete 
cure,  require  stimulating  applications,  as  lime  water, 
solution  of  kali,  or  any  of  the  astringent  washes  (see 
Recipes  31,  30  &:  29.)  Lint  dipped  in  either  of  those 
solutions  that  may  be  found  to  agree  best  with  the  pa- 
tient, should  be  applied  twice  in  twenty-four  hours  to 
the  sore,  after  being  carefully  cleansed  with  castile  soap 
and  water.  The  strength  of  the  solution  should  be  gra- 
dually increased  every  two  or  three  days;  for  what  at 
first  gives  considerable  pain,  will  soon  lose  that  effect. 
Tincture  of  myrrh,  pure  or  diluted,  according  to  the 
state  of  the  ulcer,  is  in  many  instances  a  good  applica- 
tion, and  a  decoction  of  walnut  leaves  is  exceedingly 
useful  in  disposing  foul  ulcers  to  heal. 

In  some  superficial  ulcers,  attended  with  a  thickening 
of  the  skin,  and  when  there  is  an  unusual  coldness  of 
the  limbs,  without  any  tendency  to  mortification,  warm 
salt  water  has  been  used  with  the  greatest  advantage. 

There  is  nothing  of  more  importance,  both  in  facili- 
tating and  ensuring  a  permanent  cure  of  ulcers  on  the 
legs,  than  compression;  which,  however,  should  never 
be  employed  until  the  inflammation  has  subsided.  Soon 
as  this  desirable  event  shall  have  taken  place,  and  the 
usual  dressings  are  applied;  then  the  affected  part  should 
be  covered  with  several  foldings  of  soft  linen  rags,  and 


422  rVounds. 

the  whole  secured  upon  the  part  with  a  cahco  or  flannel 
bandage,  three  inches  in  breadth,  and  four  or  five  yards 
in  length;  or  rather,  as  much  as  will  support  the  limb 
from  the  foot  to  the  knee. 

This  bandage  should  be  applied  with  as  much  firm- 
ness as  can  be  borne  by  the  patient,  and  as  much  even- 
ness as  possible,  by  passing  it  first  round  the  leg  at  the 
ancle  joint,  then  once  or  twice  round  the  foot,  and  after- 
wards up  the  limb  in  a  spiral  manner,  until  it  reaches 
the  knee,  observing,  that  each  turn  of  the  bandage  have 
its  lower  edge  about  an  ifich  above  the  lower  edge  of 
the  fold  next  below.  If  the  compression  should  give 
pain  and  produce  inflammation,  the  part  that  is  affected 
should  be  moistened  with  cold  water,  poured  from  a  tea- 
kettle or  tea-pot,  and  repeated  as  often  as  the  above 
symptoms  may  indicate  the  necessity. 

Should  any  disease  prevail,  its  removal  must  first  be 
effected.  If  the  patient  be  weak,  the  diet  should  be  nu- 
tritious; and  tonic  medicines,  as  bark  or  the  nitric  acid, 
given  in  their  usual  doses.  But  if,  on  the  contrary,  of  a 
plethoric  habit,  he  should  observe  a  spare  and  cooling 
regimen,  and  take  a  tea- spoonful  of  cream  of  tartar  and 
flour  of  sulphur,  thrice  a  day.  In  obstinaie  cases,  small 
doses  of  calomel  until  the  system  is  affected  with  it,  or 
the  use  of  poke- berry  bounce,  will  assist  the  cure. 

WOUNDS. 

The  cure  of  all  wounds  is  affected  in  two  ways,  either 
by  adhesion  or  suppuration;  and  previous  to  attempting 
either  of  these  modes,  the  hemorrhage  or  further  eft'usion 
of  blood  should  be  restrained,  and  any  extraneous  sub- 
stance removed. 

Hemorrhages  are  to  be  restrained,  by  the  application 
of  dossils  of  lint,  or  by  the  tourniquet,  or  pressure  with 
the  hand,  above  the  wounded  part,  until  a  ligature  can 
be  applied. 

In  dangerous  hemorrhage,  or  bleeding  in  the  extre- 
mities, I  have  known  the  curative  operations  wonderfully 
assisted  by  simply  raising  the  limb  as  perpendicularly  as 
possible.  In  the  erect  posture,  the  gravity  of  the  bloed 


Wounds, 


423 


so  checked  its  velocity,  as  to  enable  the  surgeon  with 
o-reat  care  to  stop  its  effusion,  which  he  had  not  been 
able  to  effect  while  the  limb  was  pendant,  and  its  vessels 
distended  with  blood. 

Simple  as  this  suggestion  may  appear,  it  is  a  new  dis- 
covery in  the  science  of  healing,  Vor  which  we  are  indebt- 
ed  to  professor  Physick,  whose  extraordinary  skill  in  that 
noble  art,  has  conciliated  to  him  that  very  amiable  tide, 
"  the  American  Hunter,"  and  for  safety  of  all  surgical 
operations  has  placed  Philadelphia  on  the  same  high  level 
as  Edinburgh  itself. 

When  ligatures  are  necessary  in  consequence  of  large 
arteries  being  wounded,  the  following  rules  are  to  be  ob- 
served in  applying  them.  If  you  have  no  tourniquet,  take 
a  garter  or  a  cord,  make  a  small  linen  cushion  about  four 
or  five  inches  long,  three  broad,  and  about  two  thick,  or 
roll  up  a  handkerchief  hard,  in  a  similar  form,  and  lay  it 
on  the  trunk  of  the  artery  above  the  wounded  part;  pass 
the  garter  or  cord,  over  the  handkerchief,  round  the  limb; 
tie  a  knot  leaving  a  proper  space;  and  then  twist  the  liga- 
ture with  a  piece  of  stick,  until  the  hemorrhage  is  com- 
pletely restrained;  you  are  then  to  prepare  a  ligature, 
formed  of  two  or  three  white  waxed  threads  proportion- 
ed to  the  size  of  the  vessel;  after  which  slacken  the  ban- 
dage, in  order  by  its  hemorrhage,  to  discover  exactly 
the  situation  of  the  artery,  and  with  a  tenaculum  or  a 
crooked  needle,  stick  its  point  into  the  coat  of  the  artery, 
and  draw  out  the  latter  for  an  eighth  of  an  inch,  when  a 
ligature,  previously  placed  over  the  instrument  in  the 
manner  of  a  ring,  by  one  of  the  ends  being  put  twice 
through  the  other,  termed  the  surgeon's  knot,  is  to  be 
pulled  over  the  point  of  the  needle  by  an  assistant;  and 
when  upon  the  vessel,  its  two  ends  should  be  drawn 
gently,  until  the  sides  of  the  latter  are  compressed.  A 
second  knot,  if  the  artery  is  large,  may  be  then  made, 
after  which  the  instrument  isao  be  removed,  and  the 
ends  of  the  thread  or  ligature  cut  off,  at  such  a  distance, 
that  they  may  hang  at  least  one  or  two  inches  without 
the  edge  of  the  wound. 

When  a  small  artery  is  wounded,  if  it  be  divided,  it 


JVounds* 


retracts,  and  the  hemorrhage  presently  ceases.  If  it  15 
punctured,  the  wound  should  be  enlarged,  and  then  the 
artery  may  be  tied,  if  proper  pressure  proves  ineffectual. 
Sand,  dust,  or  small  pieces  of  glass,  &c.  are  best  remov- 
ed by  washing  the  parts  in  warm  water,  either  by  means 
of  a  sponge,  or  of  a  syringe. 

In  the  third  place  as  the  principal  object,  proceed  to 
the  employment  of  these  means,  which  will  probably 
heal  the  wound  in  the  most  easy  and  expeditious  man- 
ner; for  the  longer  this  is  neglected,  the  less  is  the  part 
disposed  to  heal.  Whenever  the  nature  of  the  injury  will 
admit  of  it,  the  divided  parts  should  be  immediately 
brought  into  contact,  the  irritation  excited  by  the  wound 
itself,  will  then  generally  be  productive  of  a  certain  de- 
gree of  inflammation,  which  will  accomplish  a  union  in 
the  course  of  a  few  days;  however,  in  relaxed  habits, 
with  symptoms  of  debility,  the  application  of  some  sti- 
mulants, as  Turlington's  balsam,  spirit,  or  balsam  of 
apple,  will  be  required  to  produce  that  effect.  The  wound 
is  then  said  to  be  healed  by  the  first  intention,  and  this 
mode  of  cure  should  always,  when  practicable,  be  at- 
tempted. The  means  of  drawing  and  preserving  divided 
parts  in  contact,  are  bandages,  adhesive  plasters,  and 
sutures.  With  respect  to  the  two  first,  these  should 
always  be  preferred  to  the  latter,  in  wounds  that  do  not 
penetrate  to  any  considerable  depth. 

The  mode  of  applying  adhesive  plasters  is  by  straps; 
one  half  of  which  is  fastened  on  one  side  of  the  wound, 
and  the  other  on  the  skin,  on  the  other  side  of  the  wound, 
drawing  it  tight,  and  hold  it  firm  until  the  warmth  of 
the  part  secures  it;  but  if  the  w^ound  is  deep,  this  con- 
tact  of  the  sides  must  be  made  by  sutures. 

In  forming  sutures,  it  should  be  observed,  that  one 
stitch,  or  suture,  is  sufficient  for  every  inch  of  wound, 
and  that  the  ligature  or  stitch  should  always  be  carried 
near  the  bottom  of  the  wound,  and  the  threads  passed 
from  within,  outwards.  Thus,  a  needle  being  put  upon 
each  end  of  the  sam.e  thread,  well  waxed,  and  each  of  the 
needles  inserted  at  the  bottom  of  the  sore  when  pushed 
t)ut\vardly,  about  half  an  inch  to  an  inch  from  the  edge  of 


♦ 


Wounds,  425 

the  wound,  according  to  its  depth,  will  form  one  stitch, 
and  the  needle  being  withdrawn,  the  same  thing  is  to 
be  repeated,  according  to  the  extent  of  the  wound. 
When  all  the  stitches  are  completed,  the  lips  of  the 
wound  are  to  be  pressed  together,  and  supported  in  that 
position,  until  the  ligatures  are  tied  in  the  manner  as 
already  directed  for  making  a  surgeon's  knot. 

It  is  of  consequence  to  observe,  that  where  the  use  of 
sutures  or  adhesive  plasters  has  been  neglected  at  first, 
they  may  be  employed  with  advantage  during  any  stage 
of  the  sore,  as  the  parts  will  unite  at  any  time  very  rea- 
dily; and  it  will  expedite  the  cure  very  much,  to  bring 
the  edges  of  the  ulcer  into  contact,  whenever  it  can  be 
done.  When  the  parts  are  brought  together,  in  the  man- 
ner directed,  in  order  to  prevent  the  access  of  air,  it  will 
be  proper  to  cover  them  with  lint  spread  either  with  a 
thick  mucilage  of  some  mild  gum,  or  some  bland  oint- 
ment, as  the  simple  or  saturnine,  (see  Recipe  67  and 
68,)  or  in  debilitated  or  relaxed  habits  apply  Turling- 
ton's balsam,  (see  Recipe  59.) 

The  first  dressings  of  wounds  should  never  be-re- 
moved,  until  the  cure  be  completed,  or  until  they  ap- 
pear to  be  covered  with  matter,  unless  the  pain  in  the 
wound  becomes  severe,  and  is  productive  of  much  in- 
flammation; and  then  the  dressings  should  immediately 
be  removed,  and  the  parts  gently  rubbed  with  some 
olive  oil,  and  a  plaster  of  saturnine  cerate,  spread  on  soft 
lint,  applied.  If  this  prove  insufficient,  and  the  inflam- 
mation is  observed  to  rise  still  higher,  a  separation 
of  the  lips,  the  stitches  tense,  and  the  points  where 
stitches  pass,  particularly  inflamed,  cut  the  ligatures, 
and  take  away  every  thing  that  is  like  stricture  upon  the 
wound.  All  hopes  of  procuring  adhesion  must  now  be 
abandoned,  and  the  wound  should  be  brought  to  a  spee- 
dy and  plentiful  suppuration,  by  flaxseed,  or  milk  and 
bread  poultices,  often  renewed;  and  as  soon  as  there  is 
a  full  appearance  of  pus,  with  relief  of  the  more  violent 
symptoms  of  inflammation,  the  poultices  should  be  laid 
aside,  and  the  sore  then  treated  as  a  simple  ulcer. 

When  the  sutures  or  plasters  have  been  applied,  and 

3  H 


426 


Wounds, 


the  symptoms  of  pain  and  inflammation  continue  mode- 
rate, they  may  generally  be  removed  about  the  fifth  or 
sixth  day,  as  a  union  will  by  that  time  be  produced. 

Gun-shot,*  or  lacerated  and  contused  wounds,  as 
marked  by  their  ragp^ed  and  unequal  edges,  are  the  most 
dangerous  of  all  others,  from  their  disposition  to  gan- 
grene. Hence  it  is  obvious  that  in  these  wounds,  the 
means  .to  guard  against  mortification  should  be  early 
employed.  In  the  treatment  of  wounds  of  this  descrip- 
tion, three  stages  are  to  be  observed  in  its  progress, 
which  may  be  termed  the  inflammatory,  suppurant,  and 
the  incarnating.  In  the  management  of  the  first  or  in- 
flammatory stage,  especially  if  the  patient  complain  of 
much  pain,  blood-letting  should  be  had  recourse  to,  and 
repeated  according  to  the  violence  of  inflammation  and 
strength  of  the  patient;  and  if  possible  to  procure  leeches, 
these  should  be  applied  near  to  the  edges  of  the  sore. 
Emollients  are  then  to  be  used,  as  pledgets  of  mild  oint- 
ments on  the  wound,  with  poultices  of  bread  and  milk, 
or  flaxseed  laid  above,  and  renewed  every  three  or  four 
hours,  in  order  to  promote  a  speedy  suppuration,  which 
are  the  best  means  of  preventing  gangrene.  When  the 
pus  is  freefy  formed,  a  separation  of  the  most  injured 
parts  takes  place,  and  as  soon  as  they  have  come  away, 
the  edges  of  the  wound  may  be  brought  together  by  plas- 
ters or  bandages,  but  no  kind  of  suture  should  be  em- 
ployed; and  the  sore  will  then  come  to  be  treated  as  a 
simple  ulcer. 

In  the  second  or  suppurant  stage,  the  chief  point  is  to 
check  the  excess  of  suppuration,  and  dispose  the  wound 

*  Speaking  of  gun-shot  wounds  reminds  me  of  a  most  awful  and 
melancholy  event,  which  not  long  since  took  place  in  Charleston, 
S.  C. —  I  mean  the  death  of  the  great  physician  and  historian,  Dr. 
DaA'id  Ramsay. 

This  gentleman,  whose  urbanity  of  manners,  and  extraordinary 
literary  acquisitions,  had  rendered  him  the  brightest  ornament  of 
science  and  society,  was  suddenly  cut  off  amidst  his  usefulness  to 
his  family  and  country,  by  the  pistol  of  a  lunatic.  The  untimely 
fate  of  so  truly  amiable  a  man,  and  so  distinguished  a  physician 
and  patriot,  as  Dr.  Ramsay,  will  long  be  remembered  with  the 
deepest  regret. 


IFounds, 


427 


to  heal.  This  depends  on  a  light  nourishing  diet,  with 
wine,  and  die  plentiful  exhibition  of  bark,  and  elixir 
vitriol. 

The  third  or  incarnating  stage  is  promoted,  by  plac- 
ing the  member  in  a  proper  position,  to  give  a  free  dis- 
charge of  matter,  assisted  by  pressure  at  the  same  time, 
and  by  opening  every  collection  which  appears;  by  re- 
moving  splinters,  bones,  or  whatever  causes  irritation — 
and  by  healing  with  astringent  dressings  of  lint,  dipt  in 
the  solution  of  kali,  lime  water,  or  any  of  the  astringent 
washes  (see  Recipe  29)  when  the  discharge  is  excessive. 

In  the  progress  of  wounds,  certain  constitutional 
symptoms  arise,  that  demand  particular  attention;  these 
are  pain,  inflammation  and  convulsive  affections.  The 
first  of  these,  usually  goes  oflf  in  a  short  time,  by  attend- 
ing to  the  posture  and  ease  of  the  wounded  part,  and 
removing  any  extraneous  irritation;  but  when  it  conti- 
nues very  violent,  and  for  a  longer  time  than  usual,  it 
will  be  necessary  in  the  first  place,  to  try  the  effects  of 
laudanum,  in  doses  of  eight  or  ten  drops  every  two  or 
four  hours;  and  when  the  inflammation  is  violent,  to 
unload  the  vessels  by  topical  bleedings;  which  may  be 
further  aided  by  fomentations  and  emollient  poultices. 
If  these  are  not  sufficient,  and  the  pain  still  continues 
acute,  it  probably  depends  on  a  partial  separation  of 
nerves;  to  relieve  which,  a  complete  division  of  them 
should  be  made.  The  latter  complaints  are  spasmodic, 
which  vary  in  degree  from  the  slightest  convulsive 
twitching,  to  the  highest  state  of  spasm  in  the  attack  of 
the  lock-jaw.  They  are  frequently  the  effects  of  trifling- 
injuries,  a  small  scratch  for  instance,  whidi  does  not 
penetrate  to  a  greater  depth  than  the  skin,  will  sometimes 
induce  them;  and  when  they  happen  as  the  consequences 
of  large  wounds,  they  do  not  make  their  appearance  un- 
til the  sore  seems  nearly  healed. 

Upon  the  first  symptoms  of  these  aff'ections  the  pa- 
tient should  be  immersed  in  a  bath  of  warm  water, 
soap-suds  or  a  ley  made  with  wood  ashes,  as  long  as  he 
can  bear  it,  and  opium  should  be  exhibited  in  pretty 
large  doses,  every  two  or  three  hours,  as  the  symptoms 


42S 


Mortification. 


may  indicate.  When  this  fails,  the  malady  is  to  be  treat- 
ed by  remedies  prescribed  for  tetany.' 

The  constitutional  treatment  of  wounds  requires,  du- 
ring  the  inflammatory  stage,  the  strictest  attention  to 
the  cooling  regimen,  a  low  spare  diet,  an  occasional  use 
of  laxatives,  and  the  wounded  part  kept  in  such  a  situa- 
tion as  aflfords  most  relief.  When  suppuration  is  formed, 
a  fuller  diet  will  then  be  necessary;  and  if  the  discharge 
of  matter  is  excessive,  bark  and  elixir  vitriol  must  be 
employed. 

MORTIFICATION. 

The  word  mortification,  in  its  present  acceptation,  or 
meaning,  is  generally  supposed  to  have  place  where  the 
circulation  is  no  longer  performed  through  the  diseased 
part,  which  generally  turns  blackish,  and  becomes  pu- 
trid, producing  a  separation  ot  the  diseased  surface  from 
the  sound  flesh,  like  an  eschar,  in  consequence  of  a 
caustic  having  been  apphed.  In  the  incipient  stage  of 
this  disease,  which  is  termed  gangrene,  there  is  gene- 
rally a  very  high  degree  of  inflammation,  and  a  swelling 
of  the  parts  affected,  with  some  vesications,  like  those 
from  scalds,  but  of  different  colours,  according  to  the 
extravasated  fluid,  with  which  they  are  replete;  some- 
times pellucid  or  yellow,  at  other  times  black  or 
brownish. 

While  things  are  in  this  state,  attempts  should  be 
made  to  prevent  a  sudden  change  to  a  mortification: 
but,  in  order  to  effect  this,  it  must  be  observed,  that  a 
tendency  to  mortify,  may  be  owing  to  very  opposite 
causes:  it  must  therefore  be  extremely  obvious  to  every 
man  of  consideration,  that  there  cannot  be  any  thing 
properly  a  specific  for  a  disease,  where  a  plethora  or 
fulness  is  the  cause  in  one  subject,  and  inanition  in 
another. 

We  know  very  well  that  all  inflammations  may  ter- 
minate in  mortifications.  It  is  also  of  importance  to 
know  that  where  there  is  a  languid  circulation,  as  in  old 
age,  or  in  cases  of  excessive  debility  from  protracted 


Mortification. 


429 


fevers,  the  extremities  not  only  threaten  soon  to  become 
gangrenous,  but  the  progress  to  mortification  is  often 
very  rapid  under  such  circumstances:  for,  not  only  the 
vital  heat  is  deficient,  but  the  vessels  themselves  are 
frequently  diseased,  and  though  duly  distended  with 
blood,  are  incapable  of  reacting  on  the  contained  fluid, 
which  consequently  in  time  must  stagnate  in  the  small 
vessels. 

Hence  it  is  obvious,  that  a  mortification  may  proceed 
from  a  circulation  that  is  too  rapid,  or  too  languid;  and 
consequently,  the  treatment  must  vary  according  to  cir- 
cumstances, and  the  cause  of  disease. 

In  the  first  case,  general  blood-letting,  diluent  drinks, 
with  nitre  dissolved  in  them,  and  the  cooling  regimen 
in  every  respect,  are  indispensable  for  its  cure.  And  in 
the  second,  a  liberal  use  of  cordials  and  invigorating 
medicines,  as  wine  and  bark,  to  raise  and  maintain  the 
vital  heat,  and  to  check  the  progress  of  putrefaction,  can 
alone  be  depended  upon. 

When  the  mortification  proceeds  from  too  languid 
a  circulation,  or  when  there  is  much  pain,  opium  or 
laudanum  is  one  of  the  greatest  cordials,  and  should  be 
taken  freely  every  three  or  four  hours,  but  not  in  such 
doses  as  to  produce  its  narcotic  effects. 

The  best  external  application  to  arrest  the  course  of 
gangrene  or  mortification,  is  to  apply  a  blister  over  the 
gangrenous  part,  sufficiently  large  to  cover  one  or  two 
inches  of  the  sound  flesh,  and  afterwards  to  dress  the 
part  with  cataplasms,  made  of  bark  or  charcoal  povv^der, 
(see  Recipe  5,)  and  yeast,  to  be  renewed  every  three  or 
four  hours,  or  as  often  as  they  acquire  a  putrid  smell. 

When  the  mortified  parts  begin  to  separate,  remove 
no  more  at  each  dressing  than  comes  away  without  pain 
or  loss  of  blood,  and  as  soon  as  the  gangrene  stops,  and 
granulations  of  good  flesh  appear,  it  is  to  be  treated  as  a 
simple  ulcer. 


430  Sprains  and  Bruises. — Dislocation^. 


SPRAINS  AND  BRUISES. 

In  the  treatment  of  sprains  and  bruises,  the  chief  point 
is  to  give  an  instantaneous  vigour  to  the  solids,  so  as  to 
prevent  the  increase  of  effusion.  Hence  the  part  should 
be  instantly  phinged  into  cold  water.  After  this,  cloths 
wetted  with  vinegar  or  lead  water,  to  which  laudanum 
may  be  added,  should  be  applied,  and  renewed  as  fast  as 
they  grow  warm,  until  the  pain  and  inflammation  have 
somewhat  subsided.  The  sprained  part  may  then  be 
dressed  two  or  three  times  a  day,  with  a  bandage  of 
brown  paper,  dipt  in  warm  vinegar  and  spirits,  or  em- 
brocated with  opodeldoc  or  volatile  liniment,  (see  Re- 
cipe 64);  always  observing  to  preserve  the  part  in  the 
easiest  and  most  relaxed  posture. 

In  addition  to  this  local  treatment,  if  the  patient  be  of 
a  plethoric  habit,  or  the  injury  very  severe,  blood-letting, 
cooling  cathartics,  and  a  light  diet  are  particularly  en- 
joined. When  bruises  have  been  neglected  at  the  onset, 
or  become  painful,  warm  fomentations  of  bitter  herbs, 
are  extremely  useful;  and  their  good  effects  will  bf  con- 
siderably aided,  by  applying  the  ingredients  themselves 
as  a  poultice  to  the  part  as  warm  as  can  be  borne,  and 
sprinkled  with  a  little  finely  powdered  camphor. 

After  serious  sprains,  the  patient  often  complains  of 
weakness  and  uneasiness  in  the  injured  parts.  In  such 
cases  a  stream  of  cold  water,  poured  on  the  part  at  a 
considerable  height,  from  the  spout  of  a  tea-kettle  or 
pitcher,  two  or  three  times  a-day,  completes  the  cure, 
especially,  if  a  flesh  brush  or  flannel  be  vigorously  used 
immediately  before  and  after  the  application.  Some  as- 
sistance will  likewise  be  obtained,  by  the  use  of  a  bandage 
or  roller,  to  confine  the  swelling  when  thai  symptom 
occurs. 

DISLOCATIONS. 

What  is  termed  a  dislocation,  is  the  removal  by  force 
of  an  articulated  bone,  from  its  natural  situation,  which 
is  easily  known  by  a  degree  of  protuberance  on  one  side, 


Dislocations. 


431 


equalled  by  a  corresponding  hollow  on  the  other;  by 
comparing  the  joint  of  one  member  injured  with  its  fel- 
low; by  an  inability  to  move  the  injured  limb,  and  by 
pain  and  tension  in  the  part  affected.  In  whatever  part  a 
dislocation  happens,  it  is  of  great  importance  to  have  it 
reduced  as  soon  as  possible;  because,  by  delay,  the  ope- 
ration becomes  extremely  difficult,  and  very  frequently 
rendered  impracticable,  after  the  inflammation  and  swell- 
ing have  come  on. 

Therefore,  whenever  this  accident  happens  in  the 
country,  if  medical  assistance  cannot  immediately  be 
obtained,  the  most  intelligent  person  present  should 
reduce  the  bone. 

In  the  replacing  of  dislocated  limbs,  the  principal  ob- 
ject to  be  attended  to,  is  the  mode  in  which  the  exten- 
sion is  made;  for  the  success  of  the  operation  depends 
more  on  this,  than  the  force  with  which  it  may  be  ap- 
plied. Therefore  gradually  extending  from  one  side  to 
the  other,  and  gently  moving  it  upwards  and  downwards, 
is  more  likely  to  succeed,  than  strong  extension  in  a 
right  line:  the  force  should  be  begun  very  gradually, 
and  increased  slowly  at  each  trial,  in  case  it  resists  the 
first.  In  case  of  a  luxation  being  obstinate  to  reduce, 
bleeding  so  as  to  cause  faintness,  may  often  be  used 
advantageously,  and  whilst  the  patient  is  in  a  weak  state, 
there  is  a  greater  probability  of  success,  from  extension 
well  directed;  the  operator  at  the  same  time,  endeavour- 
ing with  his  hands  to  replace  the  dislocated  end  of  the 
bone. 

After  the  bone  is  replaced,  compresses  made  by  two 
or  three  folds  of  old  linen,  wetted  with  vinegar  or  lead 
water,  should  be  constantly  applied  to  the  part,  in  order 
to  obviate  inflammation;  and  the  limb  should  be  re- 
tained in  its  natural  situation,  by  bandages,  which  should 
neither  be  applied  over  tight,  nor  over  loose;  as  in  one 
case  they  would  compress  too  much,  and  in  the  other 
they  would  be  no  use  to  the  parts. 

Where  inflammation  has  taken  place,  before  the  re- 
duction is  accomplished,  it  cannot  be  performed  until 
that  is  overcome.  For  this  purpose  we  must  adopt  the 
antiphlogistic  plan,  such  as  bleeding,  keeping  the  bow- 


432 


Dislocatio7is, 


els  in  a  laxative  state,  by  the  occasional  use  of  the  ca- 
thartic mixture,  (see  Recipe  11)  and  using  warm  drinks, 
together  with  the  camphorated  powders,  and  antimonial 
solution  (see  Recipe  2  &  6)  in  their  usual  doses,  in  or- 
der to  promote  perspiration. 

DISLOCATION  OF  THE  JAW. 

The  lower  jaw  may  be  luxated  by  yawning,  blows, 
falls,  chewing  hard  substances,  or  the  Hke.  This  acci- 
dent may  be  known  to  have  taken  place,  from  the  pa- 
tient's being  unable  to  shut  his  mouth,  or  to  eat  any 
thing.  The  chin,  likewise,  either  hangs  down,  or  is  wrest- 
ed to  one  side;  and  the  patient  is  neither  able  to  speak 
distinctly,  nor  to  swallow  without  considerable  difficulty. 

The  common  method  of  reducing  a  dislocated  jaw  is 
to  place  the  patient  upon  a  low  stool,  in  such  a  manner 
that  an  assistant  may  hold  the  head  firm,  by  pressing  it 
against  his  breast.  The  operator  is  then  to  push  his  two 
thumbs,  protected  with  linen  cloths  that  they  may  not 
be  bitten,  when  the  jaw  slips  into  its  place,  as  far  back 
into  the  patient's  mouth  as  he  can,  and  then,  with  his 
fingers  applied  to  the  outside  of  the  angle  of  the  jaw,  en- 
deavour to  bring  it  forward,  till  it  move  a  little  from  its 
situation.  He  should  then  press  it  forcibly  downwards 
and  backwards,  by  which  means  the  elapsed  heads  of 
the  jaw  will  immediately  slip  into  their  place. 

DISLOCATION  OF  THE  SHOULDER. 

The  humerus  or  upper  bone  of  the  arm  is  the  most 
subject  to  dislocation  of  any  in  the  body,  and  may  be 
luxated  in  various  directions:  the  accident,  however, 
happens  most  frequently  downwards,  but  very  seldom 
directly  upwards.  This  dislocation  may  be  discovered 
by  the  patient's  inability  to  raise  his  arm,  as  well  as  by 
violent  pain  in  attempting  it,  and  by  a  depression  or  ca- 
vity on  the  top  of  the  shoulder.  When  the  dislocation 
is  downward  or  forward,  the  arm  is  lengthened,  and  a 
ball  or  lump  is  perceived  under  the  arm-pit;  but  when 


Dislocations, 


433 


it  is  backward,  there  appears  a  protuberance  behind  the 
shoulder,  and  the  arm  is  thrown  forward  towards  the 
breast. 

The  usual  method  of  reducing  a  dislocation  of  the 
shoulder  is  to  set  the  patient  upon  a  low  stool,  and  to 
cause  an  assistant  to  hold  his  bod}^  firm,  while  another 
lays  hold  of  his  arm  a  little  above  the  elbow,  and  gra- 
dually extends  it.  The  operator  then  puts  a  napkin  un- 
der the  patient's  arm,  and  causes  it  to  be  tied  behind 
his  own  neck.  By  this,  while  a  sufficient  extension  is 
made,  he  lifts  up  the  head  of  the  bone,  and  with  his  hands 
directs  it  into  its  proper  place.  In  young  and  delicate 
persons  an  operator  may  generally  reduce  this  disloca- 
tion by  extending  the  arm  with  one  hand  and  thrusting 
in  the  head  of  the  bone  with  the  other.  In  making  the 
extension,  the  elbow  ought  always  to  be  a  little  bent. 

If  much  difficulty  occur  in  the  operation,  blood-letting, 
sometimes  so  far  as  to  produce  fainting,  becomes  neces- 
sary. This  remedy  seldom  fails  to  facilitate  the  reduc- 
tion. 

DISLOCATION  OF  THE  ELBOW. 

The  bones  of  the  fore-arm  may  be  dislocated  in  any 
direction,  but  most  commonly  upwards  and  backwards. 
In  this  luxation,  a  protuberance  may  be  observed  on 
that  side  of  the  arm  towards  which  the  bone  is  pushed; 
from  which  circumstance,  joined  to  the  patient's  inability 
to  bend  his  arm,  a  luxation  at  the  elbow  may  be  known. 

For  reducing  a  dislocation  at  the  elbow,  two  assis- 
tants are  for  the  most  part  necessary:  one  of  them  must 
lay  hold  of  the  arm  above,  and  the  other  below  the  joint, 
and  make  a  pretty  strong  extension,  while  the  operator 
returns  the  bones  into  their  proper  place.  The  arm  must 
afterwards  be  bent,  and  suspended  for  some  time  with 
a  sling  about  the  neck. 

Dislocations  of  the  wrist  and  fingers  are  to  be  reduc- 
ed in  the  same  manner  as  those  of  the  elbow,  viz.  by 
making  an  extension  in  different  directions,  and  thrust- 
ing the  head  of  the  bone  into  its  place. 

•      3  I 


434        Dislocations* — Injuries  of  the  Head. 


DISLOCATION  OF  THE  THIGH. 

When  the  thigh-bone  is  dislocated  forward  and  down- 
ward, the  knee  and  foot  are  turned  out,  and  the  limb  is 
longer  than  the  other;  but  when  it  is  displaced  backward, 
it  is  usually  pushed  upward  at  the  same  time,  by  which 
means  the  limb  is  shortened,  and  the  foot  is  turned  in- 
ward. 

When  the  thigh-bone  is  displaced  forward  and  down- 
ward, the  patient,  in  order  to  its  reduction,  must  be  laid 
upon  his  back,  and  made  fast  by  bandages,  or  held  by 
assistants,  while  by  others  an  extension  is  made  by  means 
of  slings  fixed  about  the  bottom  of  the  thigh  a  little 
above  the  knee.  While  the  extension  is  made,  the  ope- 
rator must  push  the  head  of  the  bone  outward  until  it 
gets  into  the  socket.  If  the  dislocation  be  outward, 
the  patient  must  be  laid  upon  his  face,  and  during  the 
extension,  the  head  of  the  bone  must  be  pushed  inward. 

Dislocations  of  the  knees,  ankles,  and  toes,  are  reduc- 
ed much  in  the  same  manner  as  those  of  the  upper  ex- 
tremities, viz.  by  making  an  extension  in  opposite  di- 
rections, while  the  operator  replaces  the  bones.  In  many 
cases,  however,  the  extension  alone  is  sufficient,  and  the 
bone  will  slip  into  its  place  merely  by  pulling  the  limb 
with  sufficient  force.  It  is  not  hereby  meant  that  force 
alone  is  sufficient  for  the  reduction  of  dislocations. 
Skill  and  dexterity  will  often  succeed  better  than  force; 
and  one  man  who  possesses  them  has  been  able  to  per- 
form what  the  united  force  of  many  was  found  inade- 
quate to  accomplish. 

INJURIES  OF  THE  HEAD,  AND  FRAC- 
TURES  OF  THE  LIMBS. 

If,  in  consequence  of  a  bad  fall  or  blow,  a  considera- 
ble  injury  appears  to  have  been  received,  the  sufferer 
being  unable,  in  consequence  of  the  loss  of  his  senses, 
to  point  out  the  injured  part;  some  consideration  is  ne- 
cessary before  any  attempts  are  m^de^  even  to  raise  him 


Injuries  of  the  Head. 


435 


from  the  ground.  Because  should  a  fracture  of  one  of 
the  bones  have  happened,  and  not  suspected  by  his  as- 
sistants, their  exertions  to  raise  him,  and  to  place  him 
on  his  feet,  might  force  the  ends  of  the  fractured  bone 
through  the  soft  part,  and  convert  a  simple  fracture  into 
a  very  dangerous  compound  one.  The  limbs,  therefore, 
should  be  carefully  examined;  but  even  if  they  seem  to 
have  sustained  no  material  injury,  yet  should  the  patient 
not  be  precipitately  raised,  until  something  be  provided, 
on  which  he  may  be  placed;  as  thereby  unnecessary, 
and  perhaps  injurious  exertions,  are  avoided. 

As  it  will  be  fair  to  conclude,  from  the  deprivation  of 
the  senses,  that  the  brain  may  have  sustained  some  in- 
jury, great  care  should  be  taken,  to  convey  the  patient 
to  his  apartment  with  as  little  injury  as  possible,  and 
whilst  laying  in  bed  the  head  should  be  somewhat  raised. 
If  the  patient  be  of  a  plethoric  habit,  a  moderate  bleed- 
ing wiU  be  required,  as  soon  as  possible  after  the  acci- 
dent; after  which  the  bowels  should  be  evacuated  either 
by  purgative  medicines  or  glysters.  One  or  two  stools 
being  procured,  and  if  possible  the  warm  bath  used,  the 
anodyne  sudorific  drops,  (see  Recipe  17,)  should  next 
be  exhibited,  to  produce  perspiration,  and  to  excite  ab- 
sorption of  the  extravasated  blood;  and  this  mixture 
should  be  continued  in  doses  of  ten  or  twelve  drops 
every  four  or  six  hours,  until  the  patient  is  out  of  dan- 
ger, observing  to  keep  the  bowels  open. 

During  convalescence,  the  bark,  columbo  or  steel 
with  wine,  may  be  employed.  If  there  be  a  laceration 
of  the  scalp,  every  attempt  should  be  made  to  induce 
suppuration  of  the  part,  by  the  application  of  warm  fo- 
mentations or  poultices,  and  this  taking  place,  a  relief  of 
all  the  symptoms  will  occur,  when  it  is  to  be  treated  as 
a  simple  wound. 

But  should  it  be  discovered  that  a  leg  or  thigh  is  bro- 
ken, the  patient  is  not  to  be  stirred  until  a  proper  vehicle, 
as  a  door,  or  two  or  three  boards  well  secured  together, 
is  procured,  on  which  he  can  be  placed.  To  place  him 
on  this,  two  persons  may  raise  him  by  means  of  a  sheet 
slid  under  his  hips,  whilst  one  raises  him  by  the  shoul- 


436  Injuries  of  the  Head. 

ders,  one  person  raising  the  sound  leg,  and  one  carefully 
conducting  the  fractured  limb,  which  should  be  placed 
on  a  pillow,  with  the  knee  a  little  bent.  I'hc  best  mode 
of  conveyance  is  undoubtedly  by  two  or  four  men,  and  a 
carriage  should  never  be  employed,  when  this  mode  can 
be  adopted.  As  the  patient  will  be  under  the  necessity  of 
lying  some  time  without  getting  up,  much  subsequent 
pain  and  exertion  will  be  prevented,  by  preparing  the 
bed  in  the  following  manner. 

In  place  of  the  laced  canvass,  bottom  boards  are  to  be 
laid  across  the  bed  frame,  which  makes  the  bed  hard  and 
keeps  it  perfectly  level  and  smooth  during  the  cure.  In 
place  of  a  featherbed,  a  mattress  only  is  to  be  laid  above 
those  boards;  over  this  another,  cut  into  four  parts,  with 
a  piece  of  a  sheet  sewed  round  each  portion,  is  to  be 
placed,  that  they  may  be  shifted  under  the  patient  from 
time  to  time.  On  the  bed  thus  prepared,  a  pillow,  like  a 
mattress,  flat  and  firm,  is  to  be  laid  for  receiving  the 
limb. 

In  setting  a  broken  bone,  very  little  extension  is  re- 
quired, nor  should  tight  and  firm  bandages  be  used, 
which  give  considerable  pain  to  the  patient,  without  the 
least  benefit.  In  a  simple  fracture  of  the  thigh  or  leg, 
with  patients  not  unruly,  very  little  more  is  necessary 
than  to  restore  the  foot  to  a  right  direction  with  regard 
to  the  leg,  and  then  stretch  out  the  limb  on  a  well  made 
pillow;  observing  to  extend,  straighten,  and  lay  it  anew, 
when  it  is  disordered  or  shortened,  without  fear  of  hurt- 
ing the  callus.  And  when  you  have  placed  the  limb  be- 
tween two  splints,  or  troughs,  made  of  untanned  leather 
or  paste-board,  which  have  been  previously  soaked  and 
softened,  the  whole  braced  down  with  ribbons  or  tapes 
which  may  preserve  it  steady,  you  have  done  every 
thing. 

Having  prepared  two  long  troughs,  or  pieces  of  un- 
tanned leather  or  paste-board  bent  in  a  hollow  form, 
lined,  or  rather  cushioned  with  two  or  three  folds  of 
flannel,  with  tapes  or  ribbons,  four  or  five  in  number, 
attached  to  the  outside  of  one  of  the  splints,  by  which 
both  splints  may,  after  all  is  over,  be  gently  tied  to- 


Injuries  of  the  Head, 


437 


gether,  with  bow  knots,  to  be  slackened  or  tightened, 
according  to  the  swelling  of  the  limb;  you  are  then  lo 
place  these  by  the  side  of  the  fractured  leg,  and  direct 
one  of  the  assistants  to  apply  his  hands  broad  around  the 
upper  part  of  the  limb,  and  grasp  it  gently  and  steadily; 
take  the  foot  and  ankle  in  the  same  manner  in  your  own 
hand;  slip  your  left  hand  under  the  broken  part  of  the 
limb,  slide  it  gently  along,  and  then  lay  it  upon  the  splints, 
to  which  the  ribbons  are  attached. 

If  the  bone  cannot  be  reduced  by  this  extension,  en- 
deavour to  force  it  in  with  your  thumbs.  Begin  then  to 
lay  the  limb  smooth;  let  your  assistant  again  grasp  it, 
by  spreading  his  hands  upon  the  thigh,  or  below  the 
knee,  with  the  design  of  extending,  along  with  you,  not 
by  lifting  the  kg  from  the  pillow,  but  rather  by  keeping 
it  down,  and  steadying  it  by  pressure,  while  you,  with 
both  hands,  lift  the  foot  and  ankle;  grasp  them  gently, 
but  firmly;  raise  them  a  little  from  the  pillow,  and 
draw  gently,  steadily,  and  smoothly.  When  you  have 
thus  extended  and  smoothed  the  broken  leg,  in  a  man- 
ner which  you  almost  suppose  agreeable,  rather  than 
painful,  to  the  patient,  press  it  down  gently,  and  steadi- 
ly, upon  the  lower  splint;  the  upper  is  then  to  be  laid 
above  it;  and  by  grasping  the  soft  and  moistened  splints, 
you  must  model  them  a  little  to  the  shape  of  the  limbs. 
When  the  whole  has  taken  a  form,  tie  several  tapes,  one 
after  another;  and  after  having  tied  them  in  a  general 
way,  go  over  them  again,  one  by  one,  and  tie  them  a  lit- 
tle closer,  so  as  to  keep  the  limb  agreeably  firm. 

The  process  is  either  slower  or  more  imperfect  in 
children  and  old  people:  their  bones,  therefore,  are  more 
apt  to  be  broken  again;  hence  with  them  the  splints 
should  be  kept  longer  applied.  On  particular  occasions 
also,  particular  precautions  must  be  taken.  Thus  with 
delirious  patients,  and  those  who  are  liable  to  sudden 
motion,  as  when  at  sea,  the  limb  after  being  set  must  be 
laid  between  two  pillows,  and  the  pillows  fcistened  to 
the  bed.  It  is  also,  sometimes  necessary  to  make  the 
splints  more  secure,  and  this  may  be  done  by  soaking  a 
roller  or  bandage  in  whites  of  eggs,  mixed  with  a  little 


438 


Injuries  of  the  Head, 


flour;  or  by  strewing  a  little  powdered  rosin  on  the  ban- 
dage,  and  afterwards  soaking  it  with  spirits  of  wine;  or 
finally  by  soaking  the  bandage  with  fine  glue,  which 
makes  a  firm  case,  and  is  far  from  being  offensive. 

Lastly,  though  splints  and  bandages  in  general  are 
unnecessary  during  the  cure;  yet,  when  a  patient  rises 
from  bed,  rests  the  weight  of  his  body  on  the  fractured 
bone,  and  begins  to  be  exposed  to  accidents,  the  splints 
laid  along  the  limb,  should  be  made  firm  by  a  bandage 
or  roller  as  above  described,  to  prevent  those  accid-nts 
which  may  be  incurred  by  precipitation  and  rashoi^ss. 

In  fractures  of  the  arm,  the  parts  hang  naturally  in  the 
best  posture,  and  require  bat  two  splints  of  thin  paste- 
board, rolled  gently  with  a  linen  roller:  and  in  frac- 
tures of  the  fore-arm,  the  limb  preserves  its  natural 
length  or  form;  it  requires  merely  to  be  laid  upon  a  long 
splint  of  paste-board,  with  a  small  splint  laid  above,  the 
two  splints  being  secured  with  light  ribbons  or  tapes,  and 
the  arm  from  the  elbow  to  the  finger's  ends  supported  by 
a  sling  or  handkerchief  round  the  neck,  raising  the  palm 
of  the  hand  to  the  breast,  with  the  fingers  moderately 
bent. 

When  the  arm  is  fractured  between  the  elbow  and 
shoulder,  the  fore- arm  may  be  placed  in  the  same 
position,  as  already  described;  but  the  sling,  instead  of 
supporting  the  whole  lenght  of  the  arm,  should  only  sup- 
port the  hand,  which  should  be  raised  higher  than  in  the 
former  case,  the  elbow  being  allowed  to  sink;  its  motion, 
however,  being  prevented,  by  a  handkerchief  passed 
moderately  tight  round  the  trunk,  including  the  fractured 
arm. 

When  the  small  bones  happen  to  be  fractured,  they 
must  be  replaced  and  retained  in  their  situation,  by 
splints  and  bandages  fitted  to  the  part.  In  using  splints 
of  paste-board  or  untanned  leather,  it  is  always  necessary 
they  should  be  applied  in  the  first  instance  wet,  so  as  to 
assume  the  form  of  the  fractured  part.  After  the  first 
fortnight,  the  dressings  should  be  occasionally  removed 
to  allow  some  motion  of  the  joints;  and  then  replaced, 
and  daily  removed  for  the  same  purpose. 


Fractures  of  the  Ribs. 


439 


When  there  is  an  external  wound,  communicating 
with  the  cavity  of  the  fracture,  it  is  termed  a  compound 
fracture.  This  sometimes  occurs  by  the  prolusion  of 
the  bone;  at  other  times  by  the  same  force  which  caus- 
ed the  fracture.  In  such  cases,  the  bone  is  to  be  reduc- 
ed by  carefully  attending  to  the  posture  of  the  limb, 
and  by  dilating  the  wound,  when  the  bone  becomes  gir- 
ded  in  it.  The  wound  is  then  to  be  dressed  with  dry 
lint,  in  order  to  allow  the  blood  to  coagulate,  w^hich 
will  torm  a  kind  of  scab,  and  every  effort  should  be  made 
to  unite  the  wound  by  the  first  intention,  thereby  con- 
verting the  accident  to  the  state  of  a  simple  fracture. 

Almost  all  fractures  are  attended  with  contusion  and 
consequently  swelling;  the  abating  of  which  is  the  first 
step  that  should  be  taken  towards  the  cure,  and  is  to  be 
effected  by  bleeding,  if  the  patient  is  of  a  plethoric  ha- 
bit, by  mild  purges,  a  cooling  regimen,  and  by  the  ex- 
hibition of  the  anodyne  sudorific  drops,  as  already  de- 
scribed: the  application  to  the  parts  affected  should  be- 
vinegar  or  lead- water,  with  crumbs  of  bread,  or  poul- 
tices made  of  stale  beer  or  vinegar  and  oatmeal,  with  a 
little  oil  to  prevent  their  growing  dry  or  stiff. 

The  swelling  of  the  limb  being  subsided,  and  the  cal- 
lus formed,  cold  water  may  be  poured  through  the  spout 
of  a  tea  kettle  over  the  fractured  limb  every  morning  to 
restore  the  tone  of  the  injured  parts. 

FRACTURES  OF  THE  RIBS. 

The  ribs  are  broken,  for  the  most  part,  near  to  the 
middle. 

The  accident  usually  proceeds  from  blows  or  falls; 
and  is  known  by  an  acute  pain  in  breathing,  and  a  cre- 
pitus or  grating  being  perceived,  on  pressing  the  rib  in 
different  places.  By  carefully  passing  the  hand  over  the 
rib,  the  inequality  produced  by  the  fracture  may  be 
sometimes  distinctly  felt.  Coughing  produces  a  crepi- 
tation, which  is  frequently  perceptible  to  the  patient 
himself  as  well  as  to  the  bystanders. 

The  only  treatment  necessary,  in  simple  fractures  of 


440 


Blood- Letting, 


the  ribs,  whether  one  or  several  be  broken,  is  to  keep 
the  part,  during  the  reunion,  as  much  as  possible  in  a 
state  of  rest.  This  is  done  by  counteracting,  to  a  consi- 
derable extent,  their  motion  in  respiration.  To  effect 
this,  a  bandage,  six  inches  wide,  is  to  be  passed  repeat- 
edly round  the  chest,  as  tightly  as  the  patient  can  suffer 
it  to  be  drawn.  Its  slipping  down  may  be  prevented  by 
means  of  a  shoulder  strap. 

Instead  of  a  roller,  a  jacket,  of  strong  linen,  capable 
of  being  drawn  very  tight,  by  means  of  tapes,  may  be 
used.  Until  the  reunion  be  completed,  the  patient 
should  be  kept  as  quiet  as  possible. 

If  the  lungs  be  wounded  by  a  splinter  of  the  rib, 
blood  will  be  spit  up,  and  high  fever  and  inflammation 
will  be  likelv  to  ensue. 

In  this  case,  blood  must  be  drawn  copioushj^  from 
the  arm;  and  the  patient  be  treated,  in  all  respects,  as 
if  he  were  labouring  under  pleurisy. 

BLOOD-LETTING. 

The  art  of  opening  a  vein,  and  the  necessary  cautions 
respecting  the  operation,  should  be  learned  by  every  one; 
since  cases  of  emergency  may  happen,  when  the  necessity 
of  its  being  performed  is  evident,  and  where  life  may  be 
lost  before  medical  assistance  can  be  obtained.  Another 
qualification  necessary  to  be  possessed,  is  that  of  being 
able  to  stop  the  flow  of  blood  from  a  vein  thus  opened. 

To  bleed,  you  are  to  apply  a  ribbon  or  ligature  with 
some  degree  of  tightness,  an  inch  or  two  above  the  el- 
bow joint;  and  as  soon  as  a  vein  is  conspicuous,  place 
the  thumb  of  your  left  hand  about  an  inch  below  the 
place  of  your  puncture,  and  then  with  your  right  hand, 
holding  the  lancet  firm  betwixt  your  thumb  and  fore 
finger,  make  an  incision  obliquely  into  the  vein,  without 
changing  its  direction,  or  raising  the-  handle,  lest  the 
point,  being  lowered  in  proportion,  should  cut  the  un- 
der part  of  the  vein,  or  perhaps  even  wound  an  artery.* 


*  To  discriminate  between  an  artery  and  vein,  is  a  matter  of  the 
vitmost  importance.  This  is  readily  done  if  proper  attention  be  paid. 


Blood  Letting. 


441 


When  the  quantity  of  blood  you  wish,  is  drawn,  un- 
tie the  ligature,  and  close  the  orifice.  To  acconnplibh 
this,  let  the  thumb  be  placed  on  the  orifice,  so  as  to  bring 
its  sides  together,  and  to  press  it  with  a  moderate  force. 
The  flow  of  blood  will  now  be  stopped,  and  the  opera- 
tor with  the  hand,  must  introduce  a  compress,  made  by 
twice  doubling  a  piece  of  linen  about  two  inches  square, 
between  the  orifice  and  his  thumb;  over  this  place  ano- 
ther compress,  three  or  four  inches  square,  of  a  thick- 
ness sufficient  to  fill  up  the  hollow  of  the  bend  of  the 
arm,  confining  the  whole  with  a  ribbon  or  tape,  passing 
over  the  compress,  and  above  and  below  the  elbow,  in 
the  form  of  a  figure  eight,  finishing  with  a  knot  over 
the  compress. 

If  the  bleeding  continue  obstinate,  the  sleeve  of  the 
gown  or  coat  above  the  orifice,  ought  to  be  ripped  or 
loosened — and  if  this  do  not  succeed,  the  lips  of  ihe  in- 
cision should  be  brought  nicely  together,  and  while  they 
are  compressed  firmly  by  the  thumb  of  the  operator,  the 
coldest  water  should  be  poured  on  the  arm,  or  the  ori- 
fice washed  with  sharp  vinegar.  The  placing  of  a  piece  of 
adhesive  plaster  over  the  orifice  in  the  vein,  generally 
succeeds  in  checking  the  flow  of  blood. 

To  bleed  in  the  foot,  a  ligature  must  be  applied  above 
the  ankle  joint,  and  after  opening  the  most  conspicuous 
vein,  if  the  flow  of  blood  is  not  copious  it  may  be  in- 
creased by  immersion  of  the  part  in  warm  water.  On 
removing  the  ligature,  the  blood  will  readily  cease  to 
discharge,  and  a  piece  of  court  plaster  is  the  best  ban- 
dage. 

Topical  blood-letting  is  executed  by  the  application 
of  leeches,  as  near  as  possible  to  the  part  affected,  or  by 
a  scarificator,  or  an  instrument  with  a  number  of  lancets 
acted  upon  by  a  spring. 

The  chief  mark  of  distinction  is,  that  the  artery  has  a  pulsation, 
which  the  vein  has  not. 

But  frequently  it  happens,  that  an  artery  lies  so  immediately  under 
a  vein,  that  its  pulsation  may  be  felt  through  the  vein.  In  such 
cases  it  will  be  prudent  not  to  open  the  vein  unless  the  operator  ir, 
skilful}  for  it  must  be  attended  with  danger. 

3  K 


442 


Blood' Letting . 


When  leeches  are  employed  they  must  be  previously 
prepared  by  drying  them,  or  allowing  them  to  creep  over 
a  dry  cloth;  the  part  also  to  attract  them,  should  be  mois- 
tened with  cream,  sugar  or  blood,  and  they  confined 
on  it  by  applying  a  wine-glass  over  them. 

When  the  scarificator  is  used,  as  soon  as  a  wound  is 
made,  a  cup  exhausted  of  its  atmospheric  air,  by  burn- 
ing over  it  for  a  few  seconds,  a  bit  of  soft  paper,  dipt  in 
the  spirit  of  wine,  and  on  the  flame  of  which  being  near- 
ly exhausted,  must  instantly  be  applied  over  the  scarifi- 
ed part;  when  full,  it  is  easily  removed  by  raising  one 
side  of  it,  to  admit  the  air.  When  you  have  taken  away 
in  this  manner  a  sufficient  quantity  of  blood  the  wounds 
are  to  be  covered  with  some  cream  or  mild  ointment. 

In  the  operation  of  blood-letting,  certain  morbid  con- 
sequences at  times  arise,  which  demand  a  special  treat- 
ment. 

The  most  common  of  these,  are  a  swelling  of  the  part 
termed  ecct/mosisy  and  when  it  occurs,  shifting  the  posi- 
tion of  the  arm,  so  as  to  induce  a  free  discharge,  will 
lessen  the  tumour,  if  not  entirely  remove  it.  Should  this 
fail,  compresses  dipt  in  the  solution  of  sal  ammoniac  or 
brandy  are  to  be  applied.  These  also  failing,  and  the 
swelling  still  continuing  without  any  diminution,  the 
tumour  must  be  opened,  and  after  removing  the  coa- 
gulated blood,  the  sore  is  to  be  treated  as  a  common 
wound.  This  result,  however,  very  rarely  occurs. 

Another  consequence  which  sometimes  follows  blood- 
letting, is  an  acute  pain,  immediately  felt  on  the  in- 
troduction of  the  lancet,  and  communicated  from  the 
part  to  the  extremity  of  the  member.  The  treatment  of 
this  complaint  consists  in  the  early  use  of  cloths, 
wrung  out  of  lead- water,  applied  to  the  part,  and  adopt- 
ing in  every  respect  the  antiphlogistic  plan,  as  blood- 
letting, cooling  cathartics,  and  a  low  diet,  to  obviate 
inflammation. 

This  treatment  not  succeeding,  laudanum  must  be 
given  in  large  doses;  which  also  failing,  a  free  division  of 
the  nerve  or  tendon,  which  was  pricked  with  the  lancet, 
is  the  only  remedy  left. 

The  last  accident  requires  to  be  noticed,  is  the  wound- 


Issues. 


443 


ing  of  an  artery,  which  is  known  immediately  after  the 
operation,  by  strong  compression  of  the  vein,  above  and 
below  the  orifice,  by  the  tremulous  motion  in  which  the 
blood  flows,  and  by  not  being  able  to  stop  the  dis- 
charge as  usual.  The  cure  of  this  affection  may  be  at- 
tempted in  the  early  stage,  by  compression,  and  observ- 
ing  the  antiphlogistic  regimen.  On  their  failing,  the  tu, 
mour  must  be  extirpated,  and  then  the  ends  of  the  vessel 
secured  by  means  of  a  ligature  until  a  reunion  of  the 
parts  is  effected;  when  the  circulation  is  made  to  pursue 
a  different  channel. 

ISSUES. 

These  are  a  kind  of  artificial  ulcers,  formed  in  differ- 
ent parts  of  the  body,  for  the  purpose  of  procuring  a  dis- 
charge of  purulent  matter,  which  is  frequently  of  advan- 
tage in  various  disorders.  Practitioners  were  formerly 
of  opinion  that  issues  served  as  drains,  to  carry  off*  nox- 
ious humours  from  the  blood;  and  therefore  they  pla- 
ced them  as  near  the  affected  part  as  possible.  But  as  it 
is  now  known  that  they  prove  useful  partly  by  the 
quantity  of  matter  which  they  produce,  and  partly  by 
sympathy,  they  are  generally  placed  where  they  will  oc- 
casion the  least  inconvenience.  The  most  proper  parts 
for  them  are,  the  nape  of  the  neck;  the  middle,  outer, 
and  fore- parts  of  the  shoulder;  the  hollow  above  the  inner 
side  of  the  knee;  or  either  side  of  the  back- bone;  or  be- 
tween two  of  the  ribs;  or  wherever  there  is  a  sufficiency 
of  cellular  substance  for  the  protection  of  the  parts 
beneath. — They  ought  never  to  be  placed  over  the  belly 
of  a  muscle;  nor  over  a  tendon,  or  thinly  covered  bone;  nor 
near  any  large  blood-vessel.  The  issues  commonly  used 
are,  the  blister-issue,  the  pea- issue,  and  the  seton  or  cord. 

When  a  blister-issue  is  to  be  used,  after  the  blister  is 
removed,  a  discharge  of  matter  may  be  kept  up  by  dres- 
sing the  part  daily,  with  an  ointment  mixed  with  a  little 
of  the  powder  of  cantharides,  or  Spanish  flies.  If  the 
discharge  be  too  little,  more  of  the  powder  may  be  used; 
if  too  great,  or  if  the  part  be  much  inflamed,  the  issue- 
ointment  may  be  laid  aside,  and  the  part  dressed  with 


444 


Issues, 


basilicon,  or  with  common  cerate,  till  the  discharge  be 
diminished,  and  die  inflammation  abated. 

It  is  sometimes  most  proper  to  use  the  issue  ointment, 
and  a  mild  one,  alternately. 

A  pea-issue  is  formed  either  by  making  an  incision 
with  a  lancet,  or  by  caustic,  large  enough  to  admit  one 
or  more  peas;  though  sometimes,  instead  of  peas,  kid- 
ney, beans,  gentian- root,  or  orange- peas,  are  used.  When 
the  opening  is  made  by  an  incision,  the  skin  should  be 
pinched  up  and  cut  through,  of  a  size  sufficient  to  re- 
ceive the  substance  to  be  put  into  it.  But  when  it  is  to 
be  done  by  caustic,  the  common  caustic,  or  lapis  in- 
fernalis  of  the  shops,  answers  best.  It  ought  to  be  re- 
duced to  a  paste  with  a  little  water  or  soft  soap,  to  pre- 
vent it  from  spreading;  and  an  adhesive  plaster,  with  a 
small  hole  cut  in  the  centre  of  it,  should  be  previously 
placed,  and  the  caustic  paste  spread  upon  the  hole. 
Over  the  hole  an  adhesive  plaster  should  be  placed, 
to  prevent  any  caustic  from  escaping.  In  ten  or  twelve 
hours  the  whole  may  be  removed  and  in  three  or  four 
days  the  eschar  will  separate,  when  the  opening  may 
be  filled  with  peas,  or  any  of  the  other  substances  above 
mentioned. 

The  seton  is  used  when  a  large  quantity  of  matter  is 
wanted,  and  especially  from  deep  seated  parts.  It  is 
frequently  used  in  the  back  of  the  neck  for  diseases  of 
the  head  or  eyes,  or  between  two  of  the  ribs  in  affec- 
tions of  the  breast. 

When  the  cord,  which  ought  to  be  made  of  threads 
of  cotton  or  silk,  is  to  be  introduced,  the  parts  at  which 
it  is  to  enter  and  pass  out  should  be  previously  marked 
with  ink;  and  a  small  part  of  the  cord  being  besmeared 
with  some  mild  ointment,  and  passed  through  the  eye 
of  the  seton-needle,  the  part  is  to  be  supported  by  an 
assistant,  and  the  needle  passed  fairly  through,  leaving 
a  few  inches  of  the  cord  hanging  out.  The  needle  is 
then  to  be  removed,  and  the  part  dressed.  By  this  me- 
thod matter  is  produced  in  quantity  proportioned  to 
the  degree  of  irritation  applied;  and  diis  can  be  increas- 
ed  or  diminished  by  covering  the  cord  daily,  before  it 
is  drawn,  with  an  irritating  or  mild  ointment. 


ADMONITORY  HINTS  TO  LADIES. 


If  we  consider  but  for  a  moment,  the  wonderful 
power  which  superior  beauty  exerts  over  the  human 
breast;  how  instantly  at  sight  of  a  lovely  woman,  the 
hearts  of  the  young  are  thrown  into  the  most  delightful 
palpitations;  and  the  looks  of  the  aged  brightened  with 
admiration  and  pleasure;  we  can  no  longer  wonder 
that  it  should  be  so  highly  prized  by  the  other  sex. 
But  it  is  to  be  lamented  that  such  preposterous  means 
should  be  employed  to  gain  an  end  so  desirable,  and 
that  real  beauty  should  be  so  often  mistaken. 

Thus,  some  girls  fancy  that  beauty  can  only  exist  in 
forms  slender  and  dehcate.  At  the  very  thought  of  be- 
ing corpulent,  they  are  alarmed,  and  to  obviate  gross- 
ness,  as  they  call  it,  they  drink  such  quantities  of  vine- 
gar as  not  only  destroy  the  tone  of  the  stomach,  but 
introduce  a  withered  ghastly  paleness.  For  the  same 
purpose  they  continue  the  absurd  practice  of  wearing 
oppressive  jackets  or  corslets;  which,  by  compressing 
the  ribs,  prevent  the  expansion  of  the  lungs. 

Another  imprudence,  and  still  more  detrimental,  is 
that  of  appearing  at  assemblies  in  winter,  in  light 
dresses,  exposed  to  the  baneful  effects  of  cold,  with  the 
aggravating  addition  of  extraordinary  warmth,  by  the 
fatigue  of  dancing;  hence  consumptions  and  a  train  of 
maladies,  too  long  to  be  here  particularly  described, 
are  produced. 

There  are  others  who,  reading  of  the  fair  skinned 
belles  of  Europe,  foolishly  conclude  that  the  rose  and 
the  lily  are  the  only  colours  of  beauty. 

Catching  at  this  female  passion  for  fair  and  unfrec- 
kled  faces,  the  quacks  have  prepared  a  number  of  7ioS' 
trutnsy  called  cosmetics  or  beautifiers.  These,  they 
vauntingly  profess  are  to  heal  the  chaps  on  the  lips — to 
remove  pimples — and  freckles — and  to  give  the  coun- 


446 


Adtnonitory  hints  to  Ladies. 


tenance  such  a  fair,  smooth  and  charming^  appearance, 
as  to  render  it  impossible  for  any  one  to  contemplate  it 
without  being  enamoured.  But  unfortunately,  these 
boasted  cosmetics^  instead  of  heightening  the  polish  and 
charm  of  beauty,  too  often  contribute  to  tarnish  and  de- 
stroy it.*  The  truth  is,  beauty  is  not  the  creature  of  a 
quack,  but  the  gift  of  nature;  and  to  bring  it  to  perfec- 
tion, nothing  more  is  necessary  than  exercise,  cleanli- 
ness, temperance  and  cheerfulness.  These  are  the  hand- 
maids of  health;  and  healthy  to  persons  of  certain  sym- 
metries and  expression,  is  beauty. 

How  much  then  is  to  be  deplored,  that  so  many  of 
our  young  females,  should  think  so  meanly  of  exercise, 
which  alone  brings  the  female  frame  to  perfection — 
paints  it  in  the  loveliest  colours — and  by  giving  rich- 
ness to  the  blood,  and  vigour  to  the  nerves,  disposes  to 
habitual  cheerfulness,  and  alike  qualifies  the  mind  for 
thought,  and  the  heart  for  love. 

On  the  contrary,  how  different  is  the  female  who  leads 
an  inactive  and  sedentary  life,  too  generally  looked  on 
as  proofs  of  a  fine  modern  lady,  which  seldom  fail  to 
relax  the  system — retard  the  circulation — vitiate  the 
blood,  and  obstruct  the  secretions.  Hence,  that  chalky 
paleness  of  the  face — that  faintness  of  the  eyes — indi- 
gestion— flatulence — weak  nerves — low  spirits — irre- 
gularities of  nature — and  constant  complainings. 

Yes,  many  a  girl  by  constant  muffling  and  housing 
herself;  by  dreading  that  the  sun  should  ever  kiss  her 
cheeks,  or  the  wind  ruffle  her  tuckers;  by  much  indul- 
gence in  bed,  and  other  imprudencies,  renders  herself 
so  exceedingly  pale,  and  delicate,  and  puny,  that  her 
appearacce  is  better  fitted  to  damp  love  than  to  excite  it. 

*  To  such  of  my  readers  as  are  partial  to  the  use  of  cosmetics, 
an  infusion  of  horse  radish  in  milk  is  recommended  as  one  of  the 
best  and  safest.  Another  innocent  preparation  for  clearing  the  skin 
of  pimples,  and  recent  eruptions,  is  the  expressed  juice  of  house- 
leek,  mixed  with  an  equal  quantity  of  sweet  milk  or  cream.  When 
these  fail,  blistering  the  facii  all  over  the  eruptions  will  often  suc- 
ceed in  removing  them. 


447 


MENSTRUATION. 

One  of  the  principal  constitutional  characteristics  of 
the  female,  is  menstruation,  or  the  monthly  evacuations 
peculiar  to  the  sex. 

This  important  operation  generally  takes  place  about 
the  age  of  twelve  or  thirteen,  but  varies  through  the 
world,  either  in  degree  or  frequency,  both  from  consti- 
tution and  climate.  Its  return  is  generally  once  a  month; 
and  in  robust  constitutions  it  continues  for  a  shorter 
period,  than  in  the  more  weakly. 

It  is  of  importance  for  women  to  know  that  occasional 
irregularities  are  not  always  the  eonsequence  of  this  dis- 
ease. Constitutions  vary  as  much  in  respect  to  the  re- 
gular returns  of  this  discharge,  as  they  do  with  regard 
to  its  first  appearance,  or  its  final  cessation.  Those  in 
whom  the  change  occurs  very  early  from  vigour  of  con- 
stitution, require  little  to  be  done  for  them;  but  in  weak-  ^ 
er  and  less  plethoric  young  women,  the  non-appearance 
of  this  evacuation  is  too  often  considered  as  the  cause, 
whereas  it  ought  to  be  viewed  as  the  effect,  of  the  state 
of  the  habit  unpropitious  to  its  taking  place.  And  ac- 
cording to  family  practice,  under  this  false  impression, 
warm  teas  and  forcing  medicines  are  employed  at  the 
approach  of  this  disease,  which  have  often  done  much 
harm. 

Nature  is  not  so  defective  in  her  own  judgment  as 
to  require  such  auxiliaries.  Care  should  be  taken  so 
to  manage  the  habits  of  their  lives,  as  to  improve  the  ge- 
neral state  of  their  health,  by  attention  to  diet,  moderate 
exercise,  change  of  air,  and  cheerfulness,  which  will  be 
found  to  have  the  happiest  influence  on  the  body  and 
mind,  and  gives  a  salutary  impulse  to  the  circulation  of 
the  blood. 

When  the  habit  of  a  young  w^oman  is  full,  and  the 
complexion  fair  and  florid,  a  low  diet,  cooling  cathar- 
tics, and  bleeding,  will  be  proper  to  relieve  some  oc- 
casional indisposition;  but  the  same  complaint  must  be 
treated  differently,  if  the  constitution  be  backward,  the 


448 


Menstruation, 


frame  delicate,  and  the  person  of  a  melancholic  tempe- 
rament. In  such  cases  a  nourishing  diet,  change  of  air, 
gentle  exercise,  particularly  riding  on  horseback,  with 
strengthening  medicines,  as  the  rust  or  tincture  of  steel, 
or  the  tonic  powders  in  tiieir  usual  doses,  together  with 
the  occasional  use  of  the  stimulating  purgative  pills,  (see 
Recipe  4  and  2I)  to  keep  the  bowels  in  a  regular  state, 
are  best  calculated  to  assist  nature. 

For  the  spasmodic  pains  of  impeded  menstruation, 
when  the  above  means  have  failed  of  aftbrding  sufficient 
relief,  a  foot  bath  about  the  temperature  of  the  blood, 
may  be  used  with  advantage  on  the  eve  of  menstruating. 
Sitting  over  the  steam  of  warm  water  may  also  asf^ist, 
and  when  these  are  insufficient,  a  grain  of  opium  com- 
bined with  six  grains  of  camphor,  should  be  given  at 
bed  time. 

With  respect  to  the  immoderate  flow  of  the  menses, 
all  women  know  what  is  its  ordinary  quantity  and  dura- 
tion; but  they  should  also  remember,  that  what  is  to  one 
woman  a  just  and  due  proportion,  would  be  to  another, 
from  the  difference  of  constitution  and  temperament,  an 
immoderate  flow;  and  before  they  attempt  to  restrain  it, 
let  thena  carefully  consider,  what  may  have  been  the 
exciting  or  occasional  cause.  They  are  too  frequently 
told  that  such  a  situation  arises  from  mere  debility;  and 
under  that  belief  will  take  cordials  atid  stimulating  me- 
dicines. In  general  this  is  not  the  case,  and  by  such 
improper  treatment,  the  flow  is  increased,  and  the  habit 
rendered  feverish. 

In  every  case  where  there  are  febrile  symptoms,  an 
amendment  cannot  take  place  until  the  antiphlogistic 
plan,  such  as  bleeding,  nitrous  medicines,  cooling  ca- 
thartics and  a  low  diet,  with  rest,  are  adopted. 

When  the  hemorrhage  is  sudden  and  profuse,  the 
clothing  which  may  occasion  the  least  interruption  to 
the  free  circulation  of  the  blood  should  instantly  be  re- 
moved, and  the  patient  placed  in  a  recumbent  posture, 
enjoying  cool  air.  Every  thing  which  is  drank  should 
be  as  cold  as  possible,  and  cloths  dipped  in  cold  vine- 
gar and  water,  should  be  frequently  applied  to  the  loins 


Menstruation, 


449 


and  abdomen.  Preparations  of  sugar  of  lead  and  ipeca- 
cuanha, (see  Recipe  21)  are  highly  important  in  this 
complaint,  where  the  hemorrhage  is  profuse. 

When  flooding  has  induced  much  debility  in  the  sys- 
tem, it  will  be  proper  during  the  interval  of  menstrua- 
tion to  employ  cold  bathing  and  tonic  medicines.  The 
occasional  cause  should  in  all  cases  be  particularly 
avoided,  as  by  these  means  only  the  disease  is  to  be  pre- 
vented. 

A  few  observations  in  this  place  on  the  fluor  albus, 
or  whites,  may  with  propriety  be  introduced.  This  trou- 
blesome complaint,  in  like  manner  as  the  preceding 
condition,  is  too  often  considered  by  the  sex,  as  the  ef- 
fect of  general  weakness  in  their  habit.  .[  I;cy  are  there- 
fore, again  led  to  the  indiscriminate  use  of  heating  and 
tonic  medicines,  as  wine,  bark,  &c.  without  regarding 
the  habit  of  body  or  cause  of  the  disease. 

Local  complaints  of  the  chronic  kind  are  commonly 
unconnected  with  constitutional  causes;  but  by  the  mis- 
management of  them,  women  either  infect  the  constitu- 
tion with  them,  or  they  increase  them,  through  having 
injured  the  general  condition  of  the  habit.. 

It  is  under  chronic  local  complaints  of  all  kinds,  even 
in  both  sexes,  that  so  much  more  good  may  be  done, 
by  doing  but  little  cautiously,  and  trusting  much  to  time, 
under  the  secret  and  salutary  agency  of  nature.  A  sick 
person  should  not  therefore  deem  the  physician's  pre- 
scription trifling,  as  to  the  end  desired,  because  it  may 
appear  in  itself  of  little  importance. 

A  milk  diet,  change  of  air,  and  the  partial  cold  bath, 
as  sponging  the  loins  and  thighs  with  cold  water  every 
morning,  with  attention  to  cleanliness  and  proper  exer- 
cise, and  avoiding  the  occasional  causes,  are  often  suffi- 
cient to  eflfect  a  permanent  cure.  However,  in  addition 
to  this  plan  of  treatment,  when  the  disease  arises  from 
debility,  or  laxity  of  the  vessels  of  the  parts,  the  balsam 
capiva,  and  the  tonic  powders  or  pills,  or  the  rust  of  steel 
alone,  in  their  usual  doses,  may  be  employed  with  the 
greatest  advantage. 

Ten  grains  of  powdered  rosin  taken  three  or  four 

3  L 


450 


Pregnancy. 


times  a  day,  in  the  yolk  of  an  egg,  or  a  little  molasses,  is 
an  excellent  remedy  in  this  disease. 

If  the  discharge  should  continue  after  the  employ- 
ment of  these  means,  a  strong  infusion  of  green  tea  or 
oak  bark,  to  which  a  little  alum  may  be  added,  should 
be  thrown  into  the  vagina  several  times  a-day,  and  the 
tincture  of  cantharides  taken  in  some  mucilaginous 
drink,  in  doses  of  twenty  or  thirty  drops,  thrice  a-day. 

In  respect  to  the  final  cessation  of  the  menses,  it  is 
brought  about  by  a  particular  change  in  the  condition 
of  the  womb  itself,  and  not  through  any  material  altera- 
tion in  the  constitution.  How  absurd  it  is  therefore  to 
set  up  any  power  to  act  in  opposition  to  this  established 
law  of  the  animal  economy.  With  these  important 
changes  of  the  constitution  may  sympathize,  and  be  dis- 
composed, if  improperly  treated;  but  by  the  laws  of 
nature,  the  general  health,  both  before  and  after  these 
local  alterations,  may  be  better,  than  when  under  the 
influence  of  menstruation,  which  was  solely  ordained 
for  one  most  important  function  ©f  the  woman's  life.  It 
is  true  at  that  critical  period,  when  the  discharge  is 
about  to  cease,  which  occurs  between  the  40th  and  50th 
year  of  a  woman's  age,  the  cessation  is  sometimes  suc- 
ceeded by  a  determination  of  blood  to  the  head,  lungs, 
or  bowels;  but  this  is  owing  to  their  general  tempera- 
ment, and  may  be  easily  obviated  by  moderate  exercise, 
a  spare  diet,  and  the  occasional  use  of  aperient  medi- 
cines, to  keep  the  bowels  in  a  laxative  state,  and  in  case 
she  complains  of  violent  headach  or  giddiness,  by  blood- 
letting. 

PREGNANCY. 

The  great  varieties  of  the  female  constitution  occa- 
sion pregnancy  to  be  to  some  of  the  sex,  of  no  trouble 
or  distress,  through  the  whole  period  of  child-bearing; 
but  it  is  to  others  often  a  continual  disease,  they  being, 
perhaps,  from  the  very  first  week  to  the  last  of  their 
pregnancy,  more  or  less  disturbed  in  their  frame  from 
the  peculiar  irritability  of  their  habits.  The  usual  pe- 


! 

Pregnancy.  451 

riod,  however,  that  its  troublesome  sympathies  and  anti- 
pathies prevail,  is  during  the  first  month,  until  the  time 
of  quickening  is  past. 

In  the  young  and  healthy  constitution,  one  of  the 
most  early  symptoms  of  the  incipient  stage  of  pregnan- 
cy, is  an  uneasiness  in  the  breasts,  somewhat  differing 
from  what  she  may  have  been  accustomed  to  on  the 
eve  of  menstruation,  and  soon  attended  with  some  sen- 
sible addition  to  their  natural  fulness  and  weight,  as  well 
as  with  a  particular  change  in  the  appearance  of  the  are- 
ola, or  dark  circle  round  each  nipple.  The  nipples  also 
soon  become  more  prominent,  some  bulbous  or  glandu- 
lar eminences  around  them  enlarge,  and  a  milky  fluid 
will  stain  the  linen,  which  had  not  been  at  all,  or  so 
much  observed  before.  These  occurrences  may  justly 
excite  in  the  mind,  the  first  apprehension  of  pregnancy, 
after  which,  the  interrupted  course  of  menstruation  ge- 
nerally establishes  the  certainty  of  the  situation. 

Nature  would  sc^,  by  these  early  notices,  to  put 
the  mother  immediately  upon  her  guard,  that  she  may 
not  by  imprudencies,  and  too  much  freedom,  disturb 
the  tender  embryo. 

The  most  important  circumstances  to  be  attended 
to,  in  the  incipient  months  of  pregnancy,  is  the  costive 
habit  of  the  bowels.  This  will  more  or  less  accompany 
the  whole  period  of  pregnancy.  Its  prevention  will 
subdue,  if  not  wholly  keep  off,  some  of  the  troublesome 
complaints  of  the  stomach;  and  will  often  guard,  most 
securely,  against  some  of  the  exciting  causes  of  early 
abortion. 

The  complaints  which  occur  in  the  early  months  of 
pregnancy,  require  a  variety  of  treatment,  in  different 
circumstances. 

When  symptoms  of  fulness  appear  in  young  women, 
formerly  healthy,  and  accustomed  to  live  well,  indica- 
ted by  pain  or  giddiness  of  the  head,  and  flushings  in 
the  face,  or  when  the  sickness  is  constant  or  excessive, 
moderate  bleedings  will  be  exceedingly  useful.  But 
in  opposite  circumstances,  where  there  is  appearance 
of  nervous  delicacy,  along  with  symptoms  of  indiges- 


,1 

452  Pregnancy. 

tion,  and  consequently  debilit),  bleeding  must  be  care- 
fully avoided.  In  such  cases,  a  nourishing  diet,  good 
air,  cheerful  society,  and  easy  exercise,  are  most  pro- 
per. 

Bleeding,  cautiously  used,  either  to  reduce  a  too 
plethoric  state  of  the  general  habit,  or  to  alleviate  some 
morbid  afffction,  is  a  salutary  agent;  but  it  is  in  gene- 
ral more  frequently  had  recourse  to  in  pregnancy,  than 
it  should  be,  upon  very  erroneous  principles.  Because 
a  pregnant  woman,  though  by  one  of  the  established 
laws  of  nature,  is  now  obstructed,  they  conceive  it  pro- 
per to  draw  blood,  ihat  the  constitution  may  be  freed 
of  an  imaginary  redundancy,  not  recollecting  that  the 
process  of  pregnancy  is  going  on,  to  employ  the  inter- 
rupted menstrual  fluid,  to  the  now  essential  purpose  of 
affording  growth  and  support  to  the  increasing  womb 
itself,  as  well  as  to  its  contents.  All  the  temporary  be- 
nefits to  be  derived  from  blood-letting,  may  be  most 
safely  and  permanently  attained,  by  a  due  attention  to 
the  diet,  and  to  the  state  of  the  bowels.  Vegetables 
well  boiled,  and  ripe  fruits,  are  exceedingly  proper  for 
pregnant  women,  subject  to  a  costive  habit. 

When  the  stomach  appears  affected,  along  with  con- 
stant loathing,  or  frequent  retchings,  the  offensive  mat- 
ter should  be  discharged  by  gentle  vomits  of  ipecacuan- 
ha, and  the  cold  infusion  of  camomile  flowers,  or  co- 
lumbo  root,  drank  daily.  If  this  affection  is  accompa- 
nied with  a  plethoric  habit,  or  feverish  disposition,  small 
bleedings  will  generally  give  temporary  relief;  and 
when  it  occurs  in  a  constitution  of  the  nervous  irrita- 
ble kind,  laudanum  in  its  usual  doses  may  be  depended 
upon. 

The  floodings  to  which  women  are  liable,  at  any 
time  of  pregnancy,  occurs  most  frequently  in  the  first 
months,  and  vary  much  in  their  character  and  tendency. 
They  are  more  or  less  attended  with  danger,  according 
to  their  frequency,  and  to  the  time  of  pregnancy.  In  the 
early  months  they  will  sometimes  put  on  the  appear- 
ance of  a  copious  flow  of  tlie  menses,  and  render  the 
sex  sometimes  doubtful  of  their  situation.  This  will 


Pregnancy, 


453 


happen  most  frequently  in  the  first  and  second  months, 
and  may  be  connected  with  the  monthly  paroxysm  of 
the  womb,  aggravated  by  the  existing  state  of  pregnancy. 
When  such  hemorrhage  has  occurred,  some  injury  has 
most  hkely  been  done  to  the  embryo,  whereby  it  is 
blighted;  and  about  ihe  third  month  of  pregnancy,  the 
patient  will  miscarry,  if  she  does  not  at  the  time  that 
the  flooding  first  happens. 

However,  by  prudent  management  on  the  first  alarm, 
such  as  keeping  quiet  and  cool,  by  giving  internally 
cold  acidulated  drinks,  and  by  the  application  of  a 
bladder  with  cold  water,  in  which  some  crude  sal  am- 
moniac is  dissolved,  or  cloths  wrung  out  of  vinegar 
and  water,  to  the  organ  affected,  the  hemorrhage  may 
be  restrained,  and  abortion  prevented.  If  the  discharge 
should  be  attended  with  pain  in  the  back,  a  dose  of 
laudanum  will  put  a  speedy  stop  to  the  threatened  dan- 
ger. Bleeding  will  be  found  of  great  service  in  pletho- 
ric habits,  to  prevent  miscarriage;  but  when  the  symp- 
toms which  threaten  it,  have  already  come  on,  it  is  im- 
proper. 

In  these  cases,  women  should  also  be  cautioned 
against  adopting  the  idea,  that  this  symptom  arises  from 
debility.  Many,  from  this  mistaken  notion,  have  occa- 
sioned themselves  to  miscarry,  by  having  recourse  to 
the  use  of  port  wine  and  bark,  by  which  they  have  also 
generally  impaired  their  constitution,  and  have  brought 
on  a  disposition  to  flooding,  which  has  continued  many 
months. 

In  relaxed  habits,  the  hazard  of  relapse  must  be 
guarded  against,  by  the  use  of  tonic  medicines,  a  nou- 
rishing diet,  moderate  exercise,  and  the  cold  bath,  but 
not  on  its  extreme.  Sea  bathing,  or  bathing  in  a  vessel 
in  the  patient's  room,  with  the  water  a  little  warm,  three 
or  four  times  a  week,  is  not  only  an  excellent  method 
to  prevent  miscarriages,  but  other  disorders  w  hich  are 
incident  to  pregnant  women,  and  generally  attendant 
upon  a  weak  lax  fibre.  In  full  habits,  or  when  there  is 
an  evident  disposition  to  plethora,  gentle  evacuations,  a 


454  Pregnancy. 

cooling  regimen,  and  an  abstemious  and  spare  diet,  are 
the  best  prophylactics. 

The  irritable,  as  well  as  the  plethoric  woman,  should 
take  heed  in  time,  and  guard  herself  against  disturbing 
the  process  of  conception,  in  its  early  stage,  by  avoiding 
the  occasions  of  either  sudden  alarm,  fatigue,  fever,  or 
whatever  might  derange  the  equable  state  of  her  health, 
and  by  attending  to  those  means  for  its  preservation, 
which  are  best  suited  to  her  particular  constitution. 

Women  advanced  in  their  pregnancy,  are  frequently 
liable  to  pains  in  their  back  and  loins,  and  cramps  on 
the  sides  of  their  belly,  and  legs,  and  thighs.  When 
they  are  violent,  and  the  habit  is  full,  smaH  bleedings, 
gentle  laxatives,  a  light  spare  diet,  and  occasional  opi- 
ates, are  the  best  palliatives.  By  caution  and  good  ma- 
nagement, these  occurrences  seldom  prove  any  bar  to  a 
safe  delivery,  or  a  favourable  getting  up. 

Nothing  can  be  of  greater  importance  to  a  pregnant 
woman,  than  cheerfulness.  They  should  therefore  not 
be  depressed,  by  the  relation  of  any  unpleasant  intelli- 
gence. Some  women  are  often  greatly  disturbed  by  the 
account  of  misfortunes  which  have  happened  to  others 
in  the  same  situation. 

The  impression  made  on  a  timid  mind,  may  remain 
during  the  whole  state  of  pregnancy.  The  general 
health  may  be  thus  impaired,  and  the  approach  of  labour 
too  much  dreaded;  so  that  both  body  and  mind  arc  in  a 
less  favourable  state,  than  they  would  otherwise  have 
been.  It  should  be  considered,  that  though  difficult  and 
dangerous  cases  now  and  then  occur,  they  most  com- 
monly terminate  well,  if  properly  treated,  and  their  num- 
ber exceeding  small,  when  compared  to  the  multitude 
of  women  who  are  delivered,  and  it  is  probable  that  it 
would  be  still  smaller,  if  the  cautions  above  laid  down 
were  properly  observed. 

We  would  further  caution  women  against  having  re- 
course to  cordials,  to  raise  their  spirits  when  low.  Their 
good  effects  are,  at  best,  but  temporary,  while  they  are 
ultimately  baneful  to  the  constitution;  and  the  use  of  a 
small  quantity  too  frequently  produces  the  necessity  for 


Pregnancy,  455 

a  larger,  until  both  the  mother  and  the  unborn  infant  arc 
injured  by  this  pernicious  practice.  The  best  cordials 
for  lowness  of  the  spirits  in  pregnancy,  are  pure  air,  mo- 
derate exercise,  and  a  light  and  cautious  diet. 

There  is  another  affection  of  the  mind  of  a  different 
character,  from  which  lowness  and  hysterical  indisposi- 
tions often  arise;  namely,  the  force  of  a  pregnant  woman's 
imagination.  This  is  often  supposed  to  reach  the  infant 
in  the  womb,  and  to  occasion  marks  and  other  defor- 
mities. But  every  mother  may  feel  confident,  that  Pro- 
vidence has  better  guarded  the  unborn  innocent,  than  to 
have  exposed  it  to  injury,  from  every  variation  in  the 
feelings  of  a  parent.  Even  admitting  the  possibility  of 
such  an  influence,  it  could  only  take  place  at  a  very  early 
period  after  conception,  while  the  embryo  is  in  its  most 
tender  state;  and  even  then,  it  seems,  in  a  manner,  se- 
cured by  nature  against  the  above  accidents,  by  the  pe- 
culiar provisions  made  for  its  defence  in  the  womb. 
But  it  soon  attains  a  sufficient  degree  of  firmness  to  over- 
come any  sudden  or  irregular  impulse  of  the  blood,  from 
which  alone  such  deformities,  or  other  blemishes,  could 
happen. 

The  mother  should,  as  much  as  possible,  avoid  every 
occasion  of  terror,  on  her  own  account,  when  any  thing 
alarming  occurs;  but,  let  her  not  fear  that  her  child  will 
be  marked  from  thence,  or,  still  less,  from  some  hidden 
operation  of  a  disappointed  longing,  which  most  gene- 
rally does  not  take  place,  until  the  above-mentioned 
period  is  passed. 

Numberless  examples  could  be  produced  to  convince 
women  that  the  notion  which  most  of  them  have, 
that  figures  of  animals,  or  other  extraordinary  marks, 
are  stamped  on  the  face  or  the  body  of  the  foetus  in  the 
womb,  by  the  mere  force  of  the  woman's  imagination, 
is  a  gross  error.  In  every  instance  it  will  be  found,  where 
a  child  is  marked,  the  supposed  cause  of  it  has  never 
been  mentioned  by  the  mother  until  after  its  birth;  and 
when  a  woman  has  really  been  alarmed  during  her  preg- 
nancy, and  ventured  to  foretell  that  her  child  would  be 
marked,  she  has  as  uniformly  been  delivered  of  her  fears 


456 


Progress  of  Labour, 


and  her  child  together,  for  her  prediction  has  never  been 
verified.* 

PROGRESS  OF  LABOUR. 

When  a  woman,  after  a  preceding  day  of  ease  and  un- 
usual activity,  about  the  full  period  of  her  reckoning, 
begins  to  feel  some  restlessness  about  her,  with  occa- 
sional pains  in  her  loins  and  sides;  if  she  further  per- 
ceive, that  the  bulk  of  the  belly  has  fallen,  that  the  mo- 
tion of  the  c!>ild  has  not  been,  for  some  time,  so  sensi- 
bly and  frequently  felt,  and  that  she  has  a  nervous  hur- 
ry of  the  spirits  upon  her,  with  a  feverish  glow  of  heat, 
she  may  then  conclude,  that  nature  feels  an  inclination 
to  prepare  her  for  the  termination  of  her  pregnancy. 

Some  persons  are  disposed,  at  this  time,  to  a  laxity 

*  Dr.  Moore,  in  his  Medical  Sketches,  relates  a  case  so  strongly 
in  point,  attended  with  such  singular  circumstances,  that  it  is  worth 
mentioning  here. 

"  A  lady  who  had  a  great  aversion  to  monkies,  happened  unfor- 
tunately, during  the  course  of  her  pregnancy,  to  visit  in  a  family 
where  one  of  those  animals  was  the  chief  favourite;  on  being  show- 
ed into  a  room,  she  seated  herself  on  a  chair  which  stood  before  a 
table,  upon  which  this  favourite  was  already  placed.  He,  not  natur- 
ally of  a  reserved  disposiiion,  and  rendered  more  petulant  and  wan- 
ton by  long  indulgence,  suddenly  jumped  on  the  lady's  shoulders. 
She  was  terrified,  and  screamed;  but,  on  perceiving  who  had 
treated  her  with  such  indecent  familiarity,  she  actually  fainted:  and 
through  the  remaining  course  of  her  pregnancy,  she  had  the  most 
painful  conviction  that  her  child  would  be  deformed  by  some  shock- 
ing feature,  or  perhaps  the  whole  countenance,  of  this  odious  mon- 
key. 

"  The  pangs  of  labour  did  not  overcome  this  impression;  for  in 
the  midst  of  her  pains,  she  often  lamented  the  fate  of  her  unfortu- 
nate child,  who  was  doomed,  through  life,  to  carry  about  a  human 
soul  in  the  body  of  an  ape.  When  the  child  was  born,  she  called  to 
the  midwife  with  a  lamentable  voice,  for  a  sight  of  her  unfortunate 
offspring,  and  was  equally  pleased  and  surprised  when  she  receiv- 
ed a  fine  boy  into  her  arms.  After  having  enjoyed  for  a  few  min- 
utes, ail  the  rapture  from  this  clfange  from  pain  and  misery  to  ease 
and  happiness,  her  pains  returned,  and  the  midwife  informed  her 
that  there  was  still  another  child.  "  Another!"  exclaimed  she, 
"  then  it  is  as  I  have  dreaded,  and  this  must  be  the  monkey  after 
alll"  She  was  however,  once  more  happily  undeceived;  the  se- 
cond was  as  fine  a  boy  as  the  first." 


Progress  of  Labour. 


457 


of  the  bowels,  which  is  by  no  means  an  unfavourable 
symptom;  and,  in  very  costive  habits,  if  nature  should 
not  relieve  herself,  it  will  be  advisable  to  take  some  gen- 
tle aperient  medicine,  to  bring  about  that  which  is  un- 
questionably favourable  on  the  eve  of  every,  but  parti- 
cularly the  first,  labour. 

Premature  labour  is  sometimes  threatened  by  pains, 
which  produce,  for  a  while,  some  real  change  in  the 
womb,  sufficient  even  to  give  the  practitioner  just  reason 
to  expect,  that  they  will  .erminate  in  delivery.  But 
things  again  recover  their  pristine  state;  the  alarm  of  na- 
ture subsides,  and  the  woman  proceeds  in  her  pregnancy, 
for  several  days  longer,  and  sometimes  for  several  weeks. 

As  the  change  in  the  womb,  above-mentioned,  does 
certainly  occur,  even  on  a  false  alarm,  it  should  put 
young  and  female  practitioners  on  their  guard,  lest  they 
promote  labour  too  hastily,  either  by  general  treatment, 
or  any  manual  operation;  for  these  would  only  fruitlessly 
tease  the  patient,  when  the  judicious  exhibition  of  an 
anodyne  would  do  every  thing  that  can  be  wished 
for. 

When,  in  consequence  of  irregular  or  premature 
pains,  the  membranes  containing  the  waters  with  which 
the  child  is  surrounded,  have  been  broken  before  labour 
has  really  commenced,  it  must  be  expected  soon  to  take 
place;  though,  if  the  pains  should  have  entirely  ceased, 
on  the  discharge  of  the  waters,  it  may  be  delayed  for 
some  days;  but  it  most  frequently  happens  within  twen- 
ty-four hours.  There  is  nothing  in  this  circumstance 
alarming.  It  may  occasion  the  first  part  of  labour  to  be 
more  slow,  but  not  in  any  degree  less  safe  io  the  end. 
It  arises  wholly  from  the  fineness  of  the  membranes, 
w^hich  contain  the  waters,  and  which  must  rupture  in 
every  labour,  at  some  period  or  other;  and  hence  the 
waters  are  sometimes  unexpectedly  discharged,  in  a 
sudden  manner,  without  the  least  preceding  pain. 

In  a  slow  labour,  especially  if  it  be  the  first,  part  of 
the  time,  commonly  spent  in  the  lying-in  apartment, 
might  with  more  propriety  be  passed  in  the  usual  do- 
mestic habits.  It  would  serve  to  lessen  the  too  anxious 

3  M 


458 


Progress  of  Labour. 


expectation  of  a  speedy  delivery,  as  well  as  to  prevent 
the  impatience  of  the  attendants,  both  of  which  are  often 
improperly  indulged.  In  the  mean  while,  the  apartment 
may  be  properly  prepared,  and  the  patient  had  better 
not  go  into  it,  until  that  necessary  bustle  is  over.  Some 
attention  is  also  requisite,  as  to  the  manner  of  preparing 
the  bed.  The  mattress  should  always  be  placed  upper- 
most, especially  in  summer,  and  the  necessary  appara- 
tus and  covering  so  arranged,  that  the  patient  may  not 
require  to  be  taken  off  the  bed,  after  her  delivery,  which 
is  often  exceedingly  improper,  and,  indeed,  sometimes 
impracticable;  not  to  mention  the  fatigue  it  always  oc- 
casions, even  when  it  may  be  d(»ne  safely,  as  to  other 
particulars.  Little  things  are  often  of  great  importance, 
and  are  sometimes  found  to  be  so,  when  it  is  too  late. 

Women  should  so  prepare  their  dress,  against  the 
time  of  labour,  that  it  may  not  be  necessary  to  disturb 
them,  soon  after  delivery,  by  a  change  of  apparel.  When 
this  is  properly  managed,  they  avoid  an  unseasonable 
fatigue,  and  the  hazard  arising  from  linen  which  may 
not  have  been  cautiously  aired. 

A  sensible  woman  should  always  consider,  that,  in  a 
slow  labour,  she  may  be  afflicted  with  many  distressing, 
and  what  have  been  called  false,  or  spurious,  pains;  but 
there  are  very  few  by  which  nature  does  not  mean  some 
good  in  the  end.  She  must  therefore  give  her  mind  to 
patience,  as  all  unnecessary  interference  would  rather 
retard,  than  assist  the  labour,  and  will  only  be  employed 
by  the  designing  and  unskilful. 

Labours  vary  considerably  in  respect  to  duration. 
The  first,  if  at  the  full  period  of  gestation,  is  generally 
much  the  slowest,  for  very  evident  reasons,  which  occur 
on  that  occasion  only.  But  any  subsequent  labour  may 
be  tedious,  from  circumstances  of  a  peculiar  nature,  but 
equally  safe,  with  respect  to  the  conclusion,  as  those  of 
ordinary  rapidity,  provided  no  interference  be  used,  and 
nature  be  left  to  the  secure,  though  slow,  accomplish- 
ment of  her  object. 

When  a  woman,  in  her  first  labour,  is  within  an  hour 
or  two  of  her  delivery,  she  ought,  on  no  account,  to  be 


Progress  of  Labour. 


459 


restless,  or  violent  in  her  exertions,  which  many  are  apt 
to  be,  when  the  conclusion  of  the  labour  draws  near. 
It  is  then  that  the  practitioner  is  to  guard  against  the  se- 
rious consequences,  which  have  sometimes  attended  the 
violence  and  hurry  of  the  patient.  More  good  will  be 
derived  from  prudently  delaying,  than  from  hastening, 
the  birth  of  the  child,  especially  if  it  be  the  first,  and  this, 
even  though  the  powers  of  nature  herself  may  seem 
more  than  equal  to  the  delivery.  For  this,  and  other 
reasons,  which  will  presendy  be  mentioned,  it  is  also 
proper  that  such  means  should  be  used,  as  will  prevent 
any  part  of  the  child  being  born  into  the  world  in  too 
sudden  a  manner. 

We  will  now  suppose  the  woman  is  just  safely  deli- 
vered of  her  child,  and  that  a  complete  cessation  of  the 
regular  pains  has  followed.  She  must  now  endeavour  to 
calm  that  disturbance  of  the  whole  frame,  which,  added 
to  her  anxiety  of  mind  before  delivery,  had  excited  a 
great  degree  of  heat  and  perspiration,  especially  if  it 
should  have  been  her  first  labour,  or  one  attended  with 
some  unusual  difficulty.  In  this  state,  she  must  not  let 
herself  chill,  or  cool  too  fast.  It  may,  perhaps,  have  been 
necessary  to  throw  off  the  bed  clothes,  during  the  last 
hour  or  two:  if  so,  they  should  immediately  on  the  birth 
of  the  child,  be  lightly  placed  over  her  again.  She  may 
now  moisten  her  mouth  with  a  cup  of  tea,  grit  gruel,  or 
barley  water,  for  either  of  which  she  w^ill  feel  desirous, 
if  she  has  not  been  taking  frequently  of  one  or  the  other, 
during  the  latter  part  of  her  labour:  but  they  must  be 
given  her  without  wine  or  brandy.  If  she  feels  herself 
disposed  to  sleep,  she  should  indulge  it:  at  all  events, 
she  should  keep  herself  quiet,  and  not  encourage  con- 
versation. For  it  may  be  observed,  that  in  general,  the 
mind  of  a  woman  newly  delivered  of  her  first  child,  is 
so  occupied  with  the  novelty,  as  well  as  the  anxiety,  of 
her  situation,  that  her  attention  is  too  long  kept  alive, 
and  therefore  she  can  scarcely  sleep,  though  exhausted 
by  the  fatigue  of  her  labour. 

The  midwife  must  now  carefully  attend  to  the  degree, 
and  force  of  contraction,  which  the  womb  is  disposed  to 


460 


Progress  of  Labour. 


take  on,  immediately  or  soon  after  the  birth  of  the  in- 
fant.  Tlie  experienced  practitioner  will  indeed  have  a 
presentiment,  even  while  it  is  coming  into  the  world,  of 
what  is  likely  to  take  place  afterwards,  from  the  man- 
ner in  which  the  expulsion  of  the  infant  is  completed. 
This  should  be  effected  slowly,  even  after  the  head  is 
born,  because  such  a  practice  favours  that  kind  action 
of  the  womb,  necessary  to  detach  the  placenta,  which  a 
contrary  method  will  interrupt,  and,  we  have  no  doubt, 
has  often  been  the  cause  of  its  being,  with  difficulty, 
brought  away.  Premature,  or  active  endeavours  to 
loosen  it,  must,  however,  be  avoided,  if  its  separation 
should  not  readily  take  place,  by  the  seasonable  contrac- 
tion of  the  womb.  Let  the  operations  of  nature  be 
watched,  and  she  will  prove  the  surest  guide,  though, 
in  this  part  of  the  delivery,  she  ought  never  to  be  wholly 
depended  on. 

The  loss  of  blood,  naturally  consequent  to  the  birth 
of  a  child,  varies  exceedingly  in  different  women,  and 
even  in  the  same  women  in  different  labours.  On  some 
occasions  it  is  very  trifling,  and  on  others,  considerable; 
and  the  variation  may  either  depend  upon  constitutional 
predisposition,  or  be  occasioned  by  the  peculiar  attach- 
ment of  the  placenta  to  the  womb.  In  some  it  will 
partly  precede  the  descent  of  it,  and  in  others,  will 
wholly  take  place  after  it,  though  not  immediately.  It 
cannot  happen  to  excess  before  the  delivery  of  the  af- 
ter-burthen, but  from  some  peculiarity  of  circumstances, 
provided  proper  attention  be  paid  in  time,  to  favour  the 
first  endeavours  of  nature  to  throw  it  off.  The  skilful 
practitioner,  however,  may  know  that  it  is  safe,  and  yet 
not  think  it  proper  to  bring  it  away  immediately.  A 
woman  should,  therefore,  avoid  expressing  any  impa- 
tience about  it,  as  this  might  induce  some  practitioners 
to  use  that  despatch  which  is  not  altogether  consistent 
with  their  opinion;  as  many  for  want  of  firmness  in 
their  own  judgment,  have  done,  that  the  patient,  or  her 
friends,  might  not  have  it  afterwards  to  observe,  that 
they  were  a  long  while  in  bringing  away  the  after- bur- 
then. 


Progress  of  Labour. 


461 


This  kind  of  censure  is  too  frequently  passed  upon 
the  just  conduct  of  the  midwife,  from  the  improper  pre- 
judice, so  often  indulged,  in  favour  of  a  speedy  delivery 
of  the  placenta.  Women  are  too  apt  to  deem  that  prac- 
titioner most  skilful,  who  is  the  shortest  time  in  finishing 
that  part  of  a  labour.  Fatal,  therefore,  have  sometimes 
been  the  consequences  of  this  ill-judged  management, 
particularly  among  the  female  practitioners.  The  pla- 
centa, when  it  is  at  the  command  of  the  midwife,  is 
sometimes  a  means  of  preventing  that  flooding  which 
always  excites  a  considerable  degree  of  alarm  in  the 
lying-in  room,  and  is  certainly  increased  by  the  terror 
of  the  patient. 

It  is  a  mistaken  idea,  that,  in  general,  some  external 
mechanical  force  is  necessary,  in  order  to  expel  the 
placenta.  We  cannot,  therefore,  approve  of  the  modes, 
occasionally  recommended,  of  coughing,  sneezing,  blow- 
ing on  the  back  of  the  hand,  or  making  general  pres- 
sure over  the  belly,  with  a  view  of  helping  its  descent, 
by  any  kind  of  tight  bandage  applied  to  the  abdomen, 
immediately  after  the  birth  of  the  child.  The  tender 
uterus  may  suffer  from  this  pressure;  nor  is  it  of  mo- 
ment, as  to  the  effect  it  might  have,  either  of  disposing 
it  to  contract,  or  of  supporting  the  viscera,  which  are 
not  as  some  suppose,  relaxed,  but  only  the  parts  of  the 
abdomen  containing  them.  We  generally  find  that  the 
womb  has  of  itself  contracted,  in  a  favourable  manner, 
when  there  has  not  been  any  very  sudden,  or  hurried, 
delivery  of  the  infant.  Neither  can  pressure  be  necessa- 
ry, as  some  have  lately  asserted,  to  prevent  the  immo- 
derate expansion  of  an  elastic  vapour  in  the  intestines, 
from  the  sudden  change  in  the  bulk  of  the  womb  dimi- 
nishing the  volume  of  the  contents  of  the  abdomen.  The 
position,  to  which  a  woman  generally  inclines,  soon  af- 
ter her  delivery,  of  itself  supports  the  belly.  If  any 
thing  further  is  wanted,  a  pillow  placed  before  her  will 
be  sufficient,  against  which  the  patient  may  rest  with 
that  degree  of  pressure,  which  will  feel  agreeable  to 
her. 

There  is  also  a  general  action  of  the  hand  on  the  ab« 


462 


Progress  of  Labour. 


domen,  which  the  patient  herself  may  perform,  and  by 
which  the  uterus  is  tenderly  excited  to  contract,  and  the 
placenta. of  course  detached,  in  the  most  favourable 
manner,  that  will  be  found  more  useful  than  a  bandage, 
or  any  extraordinary  exertions  of  the  patient,  for  this 
purpose.  But  as  this  may  not  be  necessary  in  every 
case,  it  must  be  left  to  the  judgment  of  the  practitioner 
to  direct,  with  the  proper  cautions  to  be  observed  in  the 
application. 

We  would  further  observe,  that  there  can  hardly  ever 
be  occasion  for  a  woman  to  bear  down,  during  the 
delivery  of  the  placenta.  Indeed,  on  many  occasions, 
it  must  be  carefully  avoided,  lest  it  should  produce,  or 
increase,  a  disposition  to  the  prolapsus  uteri.  The  throes, 
which  take  place  naturally,  are  caustd  by  the  contrac- 
tions of  the  womb,  and  with  them  alone  the  practition- 
er can  generally,  in  due  season,  safely  bring  it  away. 
They  are  most  seasonable,  when  they  quickly  follow  the 
birth  of  the  child. 

We  do  not  approve  of  a  free  and  indiscriminate  use 
of  greasy  applications,  in  the  progress  of  a  tedious  la- 
bour. They  are  wholly  unnecessary  in  the  first  stage 
of  it,  and  in  the  latter  part  they  interfere  with  the  chan- 
ges, which  then  take  place  naturally,  and  produce  that 
mucous  secretion,  by  which  the  parts  are  most  favour- 
ably lubricated,  for  the  easy  termination  of  the  labour. 
But,  after  the  complete  removal  of  the  placenta,  it  will 
be  proper  to  apply  a  small  quantity  of  mild  pomatum, 
or  fresh  lard,  to  defend  the  parts  from  the  acrimony  of 
the  ensuing  discharges. 

Women  will  sometimes  be  liable,  from  peculiar  irri- 
tability of  habit,  to  some  degree  of  faintness  after  de- 
livery, most  commonly  after  the  coming  away  of  the 
placenta;  but  they  may  comfort  themselves  with  know- 
ing, that  it  is  not  always  caused  by  too  great  a  loss  of 
bloodc  It  is  generally  occasioned  by  uterine  pains,  and, 
though  the  patient  may  be  faint,  and  even  pale,  the 
pulse  will  continue  to  be  felt  the  whole  time.  On  re- 
covv:ring  from  the  swoon,  they  are  able  to  recollect  that 
some  degree  of  after- pain  had  immediately  preceded 


Progress  of  Labour,  463 

the  faintness.  Under  these  circumstances,  it  would  be  - 
proper  to  take  a  cup  of  milk-warm  gruel,  with  a  little 
wine  and  nutmeg,  unless  they  have  taken  a  sufficient 
quantity  of  proper  nourishment  since  the  birth  of  the 
child;  for  they  should  avoid  overloading  the  stomach,  as 
a  nausea  from  fulness  will  sometimes  occasion  faint- 
ness. 

When  this  circumstance  has  occurred,  and  has  been 
removed  by  the  above  treatment,  it  will  be  still  prudent 
to  indulge  themselves  longer  than  usual,  before  they 
undergo  the  bustle  of  being  settled  in  bed;  and  if  they 
have  really  had  rather  a  free  discharge  of  blood,  it 
would  be  advisable,  that  they  be  as  little  as  possible 
disturbed,  for  several  hours,  and  not  raised  to  an  erect 
position  of  the  body,  until  they  feel  sensible  they  arc 
quite  revived. 

If  hemorrhage  alone  should  cause  the  faintness,  then 
cloths  wetted  with  cold  vinegar  and  water,  must  be  fre- 
quently applied  over  the  surface  of  the  belly. 

A  more  effectual  remedy,  when  the  hemorrhage  is 
alarmingly  profuse,  is  to  pour  cold  water  out  of  a 
pitcher  from  a  height  on  the  abdomen.  This  scarcely 
ever  fails  to  check  the  effusion.  Cloths  wrung  out  of 
cold  vinegar  may  also  be  applied  to  the  vagina. 

Air  should  be  admitted  freely  into  the  chamber,  if 
the  syncope  is  very  great;  some  cool  light  nourishment 
should  be  given,  and  great  quiet  observed  for  a  length 
of  time:  but  it  will  be  proper  not  to  take  cordials,  or 
warm  liquids,  at  first.  The  occasional  return  of  uterine 
pains  under  these  distressing  appearances,  may  afford 
'  consolation  to  the  practitioner,  and  to  the  alarmed  friends 
of  the  patient. 

If  these  general  rules  are  observed,  especially  if  a 
medical  gentleman  is  not  in  attendance,  they  will  proba- 
bly prevent  immediate  danger,  and  in  time  recover  the 
patient.  The  restoration  of  the  circulation  will  be  deno- 
ted, by  the  return  of  the  pulsation  at  the  wrist.  But  it 
will  always  be  proper  to  call  in  medical  assistance  ini- 
i  mediately,  when  the  above  alarming  circumstances  oc- 
'  cur. 


464 


MANAGEMENT  OF  CHILD-BED. 

A  child-bed  woman,  as  soon  as  all  the  circumstances 
of  her  labour  have  been  adjusted,  may  with  propriety 
consider  herself  as  still  in  a  state  of  health,  and  as  requir- 
ing little  more  than  the  common  cautions,  and  good 
management  on  all  occasions  necessary  to  preserve  it. 

The  first  hours  after  delivery,  provided  some  light 
nourishment  has  been  taken,  should  be  dedicated  to 
quiet  and  sleep,  and  no  persons  should  be  allowed  to 
enter  the  patient's  chamber,  except  such  as  are  abso- 
lutely necessary. 

A  number  of  people,  besides  preventing  repose,  foul 
the  air,  and  render  a  frequent  supply  necessary.  The 
chamber  door,  and  even  the  windows,  if  the  weather  be 
warm,  should  be  opened  every  day,  and  the  room  in 
every  respect  kept  as  clean,  and  as  free  from  any  disa- 
greeable smell,  as  any  other  part  of  the  house. 

The  patient  should  often  be  supplied  with  clean  linen, 
well  aired;  for  cleanliness,  and  free,  pure  air,  are  essen- 
tial in  this  situation;  and  upon  the  strictest  examination 
it  appears,  that  there  never  was  miliary  eruption  produc- 
ed without  a  sweat,  nor  a  puerperal  fever  without  either 
foul  air,  an  accumulation  of  excrement  in  the  intestines, 
or  confinement  of  the  patient  to  a  horizontal  position, 
thereby  occasioning  a  stagnation  and  absorption  of  acrid 
matter,  except  in  cases  where  violence  had  been  used 
in  the  delivery  of  the  child  or  the  placenta.  The  heat 
of  the  room  ought  to  be  so  tempered  that  the  patient 
may  neither  be  chilled  with  cold,  nor  yet  suffer  from 
sweat  or  burning. 

The  strictest  attention  should  be  observed  to  have  an 
evacuation  daily  by  the  use,  if  necessary,  of  mild  laxa- 
tives, or  by  the  exhibition  of  glysters  composed  of  milk, 
oil  and  sugar,  or  of  soap  suds.  It  is  a  security  against 
fever  and  inflammation;  and  even  forms  one  principal 
mode  of  relief,  when  they  are  already  affected  with  either 
the  one  or  the  other.  An  equal  regard  should  also  be 
paid  to  get  out  of  the  bed  as  soon  as  they  can  with  pro- 


Management  of  Child-Bed. 


465 


priety,  and  to  sit  up  as  long  as  possible,  without  fatigu- 
ing themselves. 

If  the  lochia  do  not  flow  so  plentifully  as  may  be  ex- 
pected, or  if  they  entirely  stop,  no  irritating  or  forcing 
medicines  should  be  used.  They  never  do  any  good, 
j    and  are  often  productive  of  much  mischief.  If  the  patient 
I    be  otherwise  as  well  as  can  be  wished,  no  regard  need 
j     be  paid  to  this  circumstance.  We  not  only  find  this 
evacuation  very  diiferent  in  different  women,  but  even 
in  the  same  woman  in  different  lyings- in,  from  which 
she  recovers  equally  well. 

Much  mischief  is  often  done  by  binding  the  belly  too 
tight.  If  there  be  any  occasion  for  support,  a  thin  nap- 
kin pinned  very  slightly  round  the  waist,  is  all  that  is 
absolutely  necessary,  and  the  sooner  this  is  disused  the 
better. 

But  little  change  takes  place  in  the  breasts,  after  the 
first  months  of  pregnancy,  until  about  the  second'  day 
after  deUvery.  Then  it  is  usual  to  feel  a  greater  sensa- 
tion of  fulness  in  them,  accompanied  with  a  febrile  irri- 
tation, which  varies  in  different  women,  according  to 
constitution  and  management;  but  in  all  is  favoured  by 
temperance,  a  cool  regimen,  and  composure  of  mind. 

The  child  should  always  be  put  to  the  breasts  early, 
before  the  milk  can  have  stagnated  in  them,  or  they 
can  have  acquired  any  great  degree  of  hardness.  It  will 
be  beneficial  both  to  the  mother  and  child,  \^  this  be  done 
in  a  few  hours  after  delivery;  and  this  is  most  consistent 
with  the  operations  of  nature. 

If  the  patient  have  not  nursed  any  fofraer  child,  the 
infant  will  probably  meet  with  difficulties  in  fastening 
on  the  nipples.  In  this  case  some  older  infant  should 
be  applied,  or  it  will  be  proper  to  have  them  drawn  by 
some  other  means,  without  giving  pain. 

If  the  breasts  grow  knotty,,  they  should  be  gently 
rubbed  twice  or  thrice  a  day  with  a  soft  hand,  moistened 
with  sweet  oil,  or  the  volatile  liniment  (see  Recipe  64). 
If  they  become  inflamed  and  hard,  a  poultice  made  with 
the  crumbs  of  bread  and  lead  water,  and  applied  nearly 
cold  upon  the  part  affected,  and  renewed  every  four  or 

3  N 


466 


Management  of  Child-Bed, 


five  hours,  vviil  generally  remove  the  complaint  in  a  short 
time.  Should  this  treatment  not  succeed  in  twenty-four 
hours,  the  application  of  leeches  and  the  exhibition  of 
the  cathartic  mixture,  (see  Recipe  11)  will  probably  be 
attended  with  advantage. 

If,  notwithstanding  these,  suppuration  should  ad- 
vance, warm  bread  and  milk,  or  flax -seed  poultices,  must 
be  frequently  applied  over  the  part,  until  the  abscess 
breaks,  after  which  they  may  be  employed  twice  a  day^ 
observing  at  each  dressing,  to  carefully  press  the  matter 
from  the  wound.  As  soon  as  the  matter  ceases  to  dis- 
charge, the  sore  may  be  healed  with  Turner's  cerate. 
(see  Recipe  71)  or  some  mild  ointment  spread  thin  on 
soft  lint. 

During  the  inflammatory  state  of  the  breast,  the  child 
must  suckle  entirely  at  the  other  breast,  by  which  the 
blood  will  be  diverted  to  it  in  greater  quantity,  and  the 
impulse  of  the  circulation  at  the  inflamed  part  will  be 
in  consequence  diminished. 

The  practice  of  covering  the  breasts  with  flannel, 
or  too  many  clothes,  is  a  frequent  cause  of  their  becom- 
ing inflamed;  as,  from  the  heat  and  perspiration  they  are 
thereby  kept  in,  they  are  much  more  liable  to  receive 
cold  from  the  exposure  of  the  chest  in  putting  the  child 
to  suck,  whatever  precaution  may  be  taken  to  avoid  it. 

To  prevent  the  nipples  from  becoming  sore,  they 
should  be  washed  daily  during  the  last  month  of  preg- 
nancy with  brandy  or  port  wine,  to  harden  their  tender 
surface;  but  when  they  become  inflamed,  or  chapt,  the 
use  of  those  astringent  applications  must  be  discon- 
tinued. 

The  best  application  to  them,  when  ulcerations  are 
formed,  and  attended  with  a  sharp  acrimonious  humour, 
is  a  strong  mucilage  of  gum  arable,  or  they  should  be 
often  washed  with  quince,  or  flax-seeds. 

Thick  rings  made  of  beesvv^ax,  and  fitted  very  exactly 
to  the  nipples,  are  often  preventive  of  sores,  by  keeping 
the  nipples  elongated.  They  should  be  applied  imme- 
diately after  the  child  has  finished  its  suction,  and  be 
put  on  so  that  the  ends  of  the  nipples  may  protrude 


Management  of  Child-Bed,  467 

themselves  through  them.  These  rings,  however,  ought 
not  to  be  used,  when  tlie  milk  runs  out  in  too  great 
quantities. 

If  the  woman  do  not  suckle  her  child,  no  method 
should  be  used  either  to  repel  the  milk  or  invite  it  into 
the  breast.  Nature  will  be  certain  to  do  her  part.  She 
is  soon  made  sensible,  that  the  blood  determined  to 
them  is  not  wanted,  and  there  will  therefore  be  very  lit- 
tle further  effort  made  on  her  part  to  continue  it,  and  it 
will  in  the  course  of  a  short  time  cease  of  itself  A  cool- 
ing caihariic,  with  a  suitable  regimen,  will  entirely  su- 
percede the  necessity  of  any  local  treatment,  and  is  all 
that  can  be  required,  even  when  a  mother  has  suckled 
before. 

No  degree  of  fever  in  child-bed  should  be  passed  over 
unattendeii  to,  or  be  thought  lightly  of.  Even  the  most 
serious  are  often  slight  at  their  beginning.  Neither 
should  any  local  pain,  or  tenderness,  or  fulness  of  the 
bowels  be  neglected,  lest  they  should  arise  from  the  in- 
cipient state  of  some  inflammation,  which,  if  not  checked 
at  first,  by  proper  medicines  and  suitable  regimen,  might, 
in  a  short  time,  put  on  some  alarming  appearance.  Let 
it  be  remembered,  that  it  is  much  easier  to  prevent  dis- 
eases than  to  cure  them. 

It  will,  however,  be  proper,  to  prevent  unnecessary 
alarm,  to  notice  that  the  milk  fever,  which  comes  on 
about  the  second  or  third  day,  is  not  dangerous,  and 
that  it  will  not  return  a  second  time,  if  the  cathartic 
mixture  (see  Recipe  11)  be  administered  to  open  the 
bowels,  and  a  cooling  regimen  observed. 

It  may  also  be  very  necessary  here  to  point  out  the 
difference  between  the  pains  which  sometimes  happen 
to  women  under  puerperal  confinement. 

Those  which  take  place  soon  after  labour,  unattend- 
ed with  fever,  and  affect  principally  the  back  and  loins, 
are  not  dangerous,  and  will  readily  give  way  to  a  dose 
of  laudanum.  But  the  pains  confined  to  the  belly,  at- 
tended with  tenderness  on  pressure,  and  are  more  or 
less  accompanied  with  fever,  indicate  that  some  local 
inflammation  has  taken  place,  and  the  suitable  remedies 
to  subdue  it  cannot  be  too  early  employed. 


468 


Management  of  Infants', 


We  have  already  observed  in  this  chapter,  that  a 
warm  regimen,  and  foul  stagnated  air,  are  the  causes 
of  miliary,  puerperal  fevers.  It  is  therefore  obvious,  in 
order  to  their  cure,  that  cleanliness,  cold  acidulated 
drinks,  and  a  free  and  even  cold  air  be  strictly  enjoined. 

In  the  beginning  of  these  fevers,  blood-letting  is  sel- 
dom adviseable,  as  they  soon  put  on  the  form  of  putrid- 
ity, and  require  the  same  mode  of  treatment  as  recom- 
mended for  the  cure  of  nervous  or  putrid  fever,  unless 
the  pulse  is  much  excited,  accompanied  with  other 
symptoms  of  violent  action,  in  which  case,  the  deple- 
ting system  should  be  pursued. 

MANAGEMENT  OF  INFANTS. 

As  soon  as  the  child  is  born,  it  is  proper  to  moisten 
the  head  and  chest  with  a  little  brandy,  which  is  all  that 
is  necessary,  until  the  navel  string  is  tied. 

In  general,  there  is  more  impatience  shown  by  the 
attendants,  than  is  prudent,  in  respect  to  tying  the  navel 
string,  and  removing  the  infant  from  the  bed.  It  is  al- 
ways proper  to  let  the  pulsation  in  the  cord  entirely 
cease,  before  this  is  done,  unless  the  child  has  previously 
cried. 

In  order  to  tie  the  cord  as  it  ought  to  be,  two  ligatures 
will  be  necessary,  which  should  be  formed  of  such  a 
number  of  threads,  knotted  together  at  each  end,  that 
in  tying  firmly  with  them,  there  may  be  no  danger  of 
dividing  the  navel  string.  And,  as  soon  as  the  circula- 
tion in  the  umbilical  cord  is  stopped,  one  of  them  is  to 
be  applied  about  three  or  four  fingers  breadth  from  the 
navel,  and  the  other  about  two  inches  from  the  first,  on 
that  side  next  the  placenta,  and  then  divide  the  cord 
between  them. 

Ift  respect  to  the  first  washing  of  the  infant,  nurses 
are  sometimes  at  a  loss  how  to  proceed.  It  is  most 
frequently  born  so  clean,  that  much  washing  is  not  ne- 
cessary. A  httle  soap  is  recommended  to  be  used  with 
the  first  water,  to  which  it  is  proper  to  add  a  spoonful 
or  two  of  brandy  or  rum.  The  water  need  not  be  more 


Management  of  - Infants.  469 


than  milk  warm,  and  the  head  of  the  child  should  be 
washed  first. 

The  infant  is  sometimes  born  with  a  cheesy  mucus  on 
its  skin,  ,  which  is  most  in  quantity  at  the  bendings  of  the 
limbs  and  back.  It  will  be  more  readily  removed,  with 
the  assistance  of  a  little  soft  pomatum  or  sweet  lard.  It 
is  adviseable  not  to  remove  the  whole  of  it  at  the  first 
washing.  The  remainder  will  be  more  easily  taken  oflf 
the  next  day,  when  the  child  may  again  be  washed  all 
over  with  some  warm  water  and  spirit.  But  this  is  only 
to  be  used  a  second  time,  when  this  cheesy  mucus  has 
been  in  so  great  a  quantity,  that  it  requires  more  time 
to  get  it  off,  than  can  with  propriety  be  employed  at  the 
first  washing. 

For  the  regular  daily  washing,  only  cold  water 
should  be  used,  with  which  the  child  should  be  washed 
all  over,  beginning  with  the  head.  It  should  be  finished 
as  expeditiously  as  possible.  The  infant  should  be  af- 
terwards well  dried,  particularly  at  the  bendings  of 
all  the  extremities,  and  the  whole  body  and  limbs 
should  be  gently  rubbed  with  dry  soft  linen  or  flannel 
until  a  glow  of  warmth  appears  upon  the  skin.  It  is 
the  manner  of  washing  a  child  that  secures  it  from 
suffering  from  the  application  of  cold  water.  The  more 
delicate  and  weakly  an  infant  is  born,  the  more  will 
cold  water  strengthen  it,  if  well  applied;  and,  besides 
its  bracing  qualities,  it  will  by  cleanliness,  prevent 
excoriations,  and  keep  off  that  troublesome  complaint, 
termed  the  scald  head. 

When  the  application  of  cold  water  has  been  omitted 
for  some  days,  it  will  be  better  to  begin  with  the  addi- 
tion of  some  brandy  to  the  water,  lessening  the  quan- 
tity of  it  gradually,  so  as  to  leave  it  off  entirely  in  a 
fev/  days. 

When  children  are  a  few  months  old,  cold  bathing 
may  be  substituted  in  the  room  of  washing  with  cold 
water:  and  it  may  be  proper  here  to  add  some  direc- 
tions, respecting  the  mode  of  dipping  a  child  in  cold 
water.  Of  these,  the  principal  is,  carefully  to  watch 
for  that  moment  when  it  has  taken  in  a  full  breath,  and 


470 


Management  of  Infants. 


then  to  plunge  it  into  the  water,  and  take  it  out  instant- 
ly, so  that  no  part  of  the  action  of  respiration  may  be 
necessary,  during  the  time  of  submersion.  The  child 
will  then  breathe  freely  on  being  taken  out  of  the  water, 
and  suffer  little  or  none  of  that  agitation,  which  often 
defeats  the  intention  of  the  practice,  and  produces  a 
terror  when  it  is  to  be  repeated. 

The  next  article  to  be  noticed,  in  the  management  of 
the  new-born  infant,  is  its  dress.  Very  improper  me- 
thods are  often  taken,  even  from  the  birth,  to  strengthen 
the  apparent  weakness  of  a  young  child,  such  as  the 
practice  of  tight  rolling,  by  which  means  the  circula- 
tion of  the  blood  is  impeded,  and  the  action  of  the  ab- 
dominal muscles  hindered  from  properly  performing 
their  offices. 

If  it  is  wished  to  have  them  strong  upon  their  limbs, 
and  properly  active,  early  in  life,  as  by  nature  they  are 
intended  to  be,  they  should  have  the  perfect  freedom 
of  their  limbs,  and  their  bodies  easy,  from  the  first 
day  of  their  birth.  Their  clothes  should  therefore  be 
reasonably  loose  upon  them,  and  not  too  great  in  quan- 
tity, although  properly  proportioned  to  the  nature  and 
variableness  of  the  weather. 

The  quantity  of  an  infant's  bed  covering  should  also 
be  appropriate  to  the  season  of  the  year.  Children 
should  not  be  used  to  too  much.  If  this  article  is  not  ju- 
diciously managed,  as  they  grow  up,  they  will  be  apt  to 
perspire  in  bed,  the  consequence  of  which  is,  that  they 
take  cold,  by  throwing  off  the  clothes,  or  they  are  weak- 
ened in  spite  of  cold  bathing,  by  the  relaxing  effects  of 
heat  and  moisture. 

With  respect  to  the  proper  manner  of  purging  the 
new-born  infant,  the  first  thing  commonly  given  by 
nurses,  is  butter  and  sugar  mixed,  which  has  often  been 
detrimental  by  promoting  acidity  in  the  bowels. 

If  the  infant,  after  being  completely  dressed,  is  appa- 
rently quite  easy,  it  should  be  laid  down  to  sleep,  with- 
out taking  any  thing.  And  after  a  few  hours,  it  may 
be  applied  to  the  mother's  breast,  whose  milk  is  not 
only  opening,  but  has  the  effect  of  promoting  the  natu* 


Mamgemejit  of  Infants, 


471 


ral  action  of  the  intestinal  canal.  However,  if  the  infant 
appears  to  be  loaded  with  phlegm,  a  little  well  made 
plain  grit  gruel  should  be  given  immediately,  and  when 
this  or  its  natural  food,  the  milk,  is  not  found  sufficient 
to  expel  the  meconium  or  first  black  stools,  and  the 
child  appears  to  be  indisposed,  a  tea-spoonful  of  good 
castor  oil  may  with  propriety  be  given. 

As  most  of  the  infantile  indispositions  arise  from 
overloading  their  stomachs,  it  is  of  great  importance  to 
pay  due  attention  to  the  feeding  of  them.  Nature  has 
pointed  out  that  mother's  milk  is  the  most  suitable 
nourishment  for  the  child;  but  even  of  this  their  sto- 
machs may  be  gorged. 

The  mother  would  do  justice  to  herself  and  child,  if 
she  would  not  accustom  it  to  suck  in  the  night  after  go- 
ing to  rest.  Good  habits  are  early  and  easily  acquired 
with  infants. 

When  the  child  is  to  be  brought  up  by  the  hand, 
considerable  judgment  is  necessary  to  proportion  the 
quantity  of  food  to  its  age  and  strength.  Weakly  chil- 
dren will  always  require  less  food  than  those  who  are 
stronger,  for  they  are  less  able  to  digest  it.  They  are 
frequently  attacked  with  alarming  and  even  fatal  con- 
vulsions, from  their  bowels  being  over-loaded.  Under 
all  circumstances,  if  the  food  is  too  thick,  or  given  in 
too  great  a  quantity,  the  perfect  digestion  of  it  is  pre- 
vented. 

When  the  infant  cannot  obtain  the  milk  of  the  mo- 
ther, or  that  of  a  healthy  woman  who  laid  in  about  the 
same  time,  the  best  food,  for  several  months  at  least,  is 
goat's  milk,  ass's  milk,  or  cow's  milk  alone  or  mixed 
with  an  equal  quantity  of  well-boiled  grit  gruel  or  ar- 
row root.  If  the  child's  bowels  be  in  a  laxative  state, 
the  milk  may  be  boiled;  but  otherwise,  it  had  better  be 
given  freshly  drawn  from  the  animal,  or  slightly  warm- 
ed. 

It  is  not  necessary  to  feed  a  child  oftener  than  five  or 
six  times  in  twenty-four  hours,  and  the  less  it  is  fed  in 
the  night  the  better.  It  is  a  most  ridiculous  error  to 
suppose,  that  whenever  a  child  cries,  it  wants  victuals, 


472 


Management  of  Infants, 


and  thus  to  be  constantly  feeding  it  both  day  and  night. 
If  the  child's  wants  and  motions  be  judiciously  attended 
to,  it  will  be  found,  that  it  seldom  cries,  but  from  pain; 
and  if  it  be  properly  nursed,  and  quite  easy  in  its  dress, 
it  will  rarely  cry  at  all.  Nurses  should  be  particularly 
cautioned  not  to  lay  a  child  on  its  back  when  fed.  In 
the  posture  of  sitting,  it  swallows  its  food  more  easily, 
and  more  readily  feels  when  it  has  enough. 

As  the  child  advances  in  age,  and  its  strength  in- 
creases, weak  broths  with  a  little  barley,  rice,  or  hard 
biscuit  boiled  in  them,  may  be  allowed. 

Without  a  proper  degree  of  exercise  in  the  pure  air, 
our  attention  in  clothing  and  feeding  infants,  will  not 
succeed  to  our  wishes.  It  is  therefore  of  great  import- 
ance, both  to  the  population  of  the  country,  as  well  as 
the  health  of  the  inhabitants,  that  parents  should  atten- 
tively consider,  that  the  more  children  are  exposed  to 
the  open  air,  within  prudent  bounds,  the  hardier  they 
grow,  and  the  less  they  are  subject  to  take  cold. 

In  the  first  period  of  infancy,  the  exercise  should  be 
very  gentle,  and  afterwards  increased,  as  the  strength 
of  the  infant  increases;  and  that  will  always  be  best, 
which,  at  the  same  time  it  gives  motion  to  the  body, 
appears  to  divert  and  entertain  the  mind. 

Independent  of  those  means  already  described,  to 
ensure  the  health  of  children,  and  preserve  the  human 
species,  we  must  have  an  equal  regard  to  the  disposi- 
tions of  children.  It  must  be  remembered,  that  on  the 
treatment  the  child  receives  from  his  parents  during  this 
stage,  will  perhaps  depend  much  of  his  misery  or  hap- 
piness, not  only  in  his  passage  through  this  but  through 
the  other  stages  of  his  existence. 

If,  on  the  one  hand,  every  little  sally  of  passion  and 
impatience  is  immediately  controlled;  if  that  which  is 
admissible  is  regularly  permitted,  and  that  which  is 
improper,  as  regularly  withheld,  the  little  creature  will 
soon  learn  to  distinguish  that  which  is  allowed,  from 
that  which  is  prohibited.  He  will  indeed  urge  his  claim, 
for  that  which  he  has  been  taught  he  has  a  right  to;  but 
will  not  harass  himself  and  his  attendants  with  ceaseless 


Diseases  of  Infants, 


473 


shillings,  or  raving  to  obtain  that  wliich  uniform  pro- 
hibition has  placed  beyond  expectance. 

But  a  melancholy  reverse  appears,  if  on  the  one  hand 
no  consistency  is  observed  in  his  management;  if  at  one 
time,  the  shghtest  indulgence  is  refused,  and  at  another 
ihe  most  extravagant,  and  even  injurious  cravings  are 
gratified;  the  child  becomes  more  and  more  fretful,  till 
at  length  he  manifests  such  ill  nature,  as  to  render  him 
odious  to  all  around  him,  and  sooner  or  la-'er  the  poor 
little  suftererpays  with  his  life  the  purchase  of  his  early- 
indulgences. 

DISEASES  OF  INFANTS  REQUIRING  EX- 
TERNAL TREATMENT. 

In  this  chapter,  we  will  make  a  few  observations  on 
those  diseases  to  which  the  newly  born  infant  is  liable, 
from  the  circumstances  incidental  to  its  birth,  and  which 
require  principally  external  treatment. 

The  head  and  face  of  a  child  after  a  difTicult  labour, 
or  from  an  unfavourable  presentation  of  the  face,  will 
sometimes  be  very  much  swelled.  It  will  commonly 
subside  in  a  short  time.  But  when  a  tumour  remains 
on  any  part  of  the  head,  it  must  be  bathed  several  times 
a-day  with  brandy  alone  or  mixed  with  vinegar,  which 
will  soon  disperse  it. 

The  scrotum  will  also  sometimes  be  remarkably  tu- 
mid, and  even  discoloured,  particularly  when  a  child 
has  been  born  by  the  breech  presentation.  In  this  case 
it  will  be  proper  to  suspend  it  by  a  cloth,  after  first  co- 
vering it  with  a  piece  of  linen,  wetted  with  brandy, 
which  should  be  frequently  renewed. 

When  an  infant  is  born,  with  no  other  sign  of  anima- 
tion than  a  weak  pulsation  of  the  heart,  and  the  arteries 
of  the  navel  string,  we  must  endeavour  to  rouse  the 
circulation  by  frequent  applications  of  warm  cloths,  and 
by  rubbing  the  nostrils,  temples,  and  extremities,  with 
spirits  or  volatiles.  A  table- spoonful  of  brandy  must 
be  poured  on  the  child's  breast,  and  if  possible  a  little 

3  O 


474 


Diseases  of  Infants, 


of  it  should  be  swallowed.  Stools  should  also  be  pro- 
cured by  glysters,  or  by  giving  a  dose  of  castor  oil. 

Infants  are  born  with  a  thin  membrame  under  their 
tongue,  called  ih^frccniim,  which  is  sometimes  so  broad 
as  to  require  dividing,  in  order  to  give  freedom  to  the 
tip,  and  to  allow  the  child  to  take  proper  hold  of  the 
nipples  in  sucking.  It  is  easily  divided  by  a  sharp  pair 
of  scissors,  and  the  operation  can  nevtr  be  attended 
with  any  inconvenience,  or  hemorrhage,  if  it  be  done 
with  proper  caution. 

The  infant  generally  has  an  evacuation  from  the  bow- 
els soon  after  birth.  If,  however,  any  length  of  time 
should  have  elapsed  without  one,  it  will  be  proper  to  ex- 
amine the  fundament,  which  is  sometimes  imperforated, 
so  that  the  meconium  cannot  be  voided.  This  case  can 
only  be  relieved  by  a  surgical  operation,  by  which  the 
natural  passage  is  opened,  and  afterwards  secured  from 
closing  again  by  the  introduction  of  the  bougie. 

The  vagina  of  the  female  is  also  sometimes  imperfo- 
rated. Parents  should  therefore  carefully  examine  the 
infant,  that  it  may  not  grow  up  with  a  defect,  w^hich  at 
a  certain  period  of  life,  must  inevitably  prove  trouble- 
some, and  which,  at  last,  will  require  an  operation  to 
relieve. 

When  a  child  suffers  from  a  retention  of  urine,  it 
should  immediately  be  inquired  into,  whether  the  orifice 
of  the  urethra  be  pervious.  This  obstruction  is  more 
rarely,  met  with  in  the  female  than  the  male.  If  it  be 
found  closed,  the  skill  of  the  surgeon  is  required.  Some- 
times an  infant  will  be  very  long,  perhaps  a  day  or  two, 
before  it  voids  the  urine,  where  no  defect  or  obstruc- 
tion is  to  be  seen.  It  will  then  be  proper  to  rub  the  bel- 
ly with  some  warm  brandy  mixed  with  a  little  oil.  Some 
have  recommended  it  to  be  rubbed  with  an  onion. 
Whichever  be  used,  it  is  advisable  immediately  af- 
terwards to  apply  to  the  belly  a  bladder  half  filled  with 
scalded  bran,  or  camomile  flowers,  or  hot  water;  and 
lest  by  some  accident  it  should  burst,  it  would  be  pro- 
per to  enclose  it  in  a  setond  bladder.  A  glyster  of  thhi 
gruel,  with  a  little  oil,  should  be  ^iven,  and  if  necessary, 


Diseases  of  Infants. 


475 


a  tea-spoonful  of  castor  oil  may  be  swallowed.  If  the 
child  is  in  considerable  pain,  a  few  drops  of  laudanum 
mav  with  propriety  be  added  to  tlie  glyster. 

The  breasts  of  infants  will  often  enlarge  considerably, 
within  two  or  three  days  after  they  are  born.  The  vul- 
gar notion  of  nurses,  respecting  the  cause  of  this  ap- 
pearance, is  the  occasion  of  much  bad  management. 
They  become  tumid,  and  appear  to  contain  something 
like  milk;  and  ihey  have  therefore  often  been  rubbed 
and  squeezed  with  a  roughness  amounting  to  cruelty. 
If  the  pressure  of  the  clothes  is  avoided  by  their  being 
put  on  loosely,  it  will  go  off  gradually  without  any  ap- 
plication; but  in  case  of  much  inflammation,  equal  parts 
of  brandy  and  vinegar  must  be  applied  cold  by  means 
of  soft  linen,  or  poultices  of  the  crumbs  of  bread  and 
lead  water  or  milk,  should  be  employed  for  its  resolu- 
tion. 

Many  mothers  will  make  themselves  uneasy  about  the 
falling  off  of  the  navel  string.  This  generally  happens 
about  the  fourth  or  fifth  day,  but  often  earlier,  and  some- 
times much  later.  When  it  separates,  the  nurse  need 
only  apply  a  piece  of  linen  rag,  scorched.  If  there 
should  be  more  than  usual  tenderness,  it  may  be  proper 
also  to  sprinkle  it  with  a  little  prepared  chalk,  or  starch. 
In  some  instances,  there  is  a  discharge,  and  the  'part 
continues  raw,  and  then  it  will  be  proper  to  apply  three 
or  four  pieces  of  soft  cabbage  leaf,  laid  one  over  an- 
other, that  they  may  be  preserved  moist  and  cool,  and 
continued  as  long  as  the  discharge  may  be  considerable. 
The  bleeding  which  sometimes  happens  at  the  navel, 
is  of  such  little  consequence,  that  a  light  compress, 
with  some  gende  styptic,  and  secured  by  a  stick- 
ing plaster  or  bandage,  soon  removes  it.  The  soreness, 
Vv'hen  considerable,  may  require  a  milk  and  bread  poul- 
tice, and  the  exhibition  of  some  mild  laxative  medicine. 

Infants  are  sometimes  very  early  troubled  with  her- 
nial affections;  and  when  they  happen  in  the  groin,  all 
that  can  be  done,  is  to  bathe  the  part  occasionally  with 
brandy,  keep  the  body  open,  use  the  cold  bath,  and 
prevent  the  child  from  crying  as  much  as  possible. 


476 


Diseases  of  Infants. 


Rupture  of  the  navel  has  already  been  treated  of,  in  the 
preceding  part  of  this  work,  under  the  head  of  rup- 
tures. 

There  will  often  appear  in  the  scrotum  of  infants,  at 
birth,  a  turgescence,  which  has  been  called  the  watery 
rupture.  Of  this  it  is  proper  that  parents  and  nurses 
should  be  aware,  that  it  may  not  be  mistaken  for  the 
true  rupture.  From  this  it  will  be  readily  distinguish- 
ed by  its  transparency,  and  by  its  not  becoming  larger 
when  the  infant  cries.  It  will  generally  Itc  cured  by 
compresses  moistened  with  vinegar  and  water,  with  the 
addition  of  as  much  brandy  as  the  skin  is  able  to  bear. 

But  the  best  method  is  to  puncture  the  bottom  of  the 
tumour  with  the  point  of  a  lancet,  which  is  attended  with 
very  little  pain,  and  soon  effects  a  cure. 

Another  little  complaint  like  the  watery  rupture,  is 
tumefaction  of  the  prepuce,  which  also  arises  from  ex- 
travasated  water,  and  is  a  partial  dropsy  of  the  skin. 
The  complaint  will  be  removed  in  a  few  days,  by  wash- 
ing the  part  frequently  with  lead  water,  or  by  applying 
a  poultice  made  with  it  and  the  crumbs  of  bread,  and 
by  keeping  the  bowels  open. 

An  mflammation  will  sometimes  attack  the  eyes  of 
children  soon  after  birth,  which  has  been  usually  attri- 
buted to  cold;  however,  that  is  not  the  cause.  A  slight 
case  will  do  well  by  keeping  the  eyes  clean,  and  washing 
very  frequently  with  cold  water.  If  the  eyelids  should 
stick  together  when  the  infant  sleeps,  it  will  be  prudent 
to  apply  a  very  small  quantity  of  sweet  oil,  fresh  butter, 
or  lard,  to  their  edges.  When  the  inflammation  is  con- 
siderable, a  blister  to  the  nape  of  the  neck,  and  the  oc- 
casional use  of  the  cathartic  mixture,  (Recipe  11,)  in 
doses  of  a  tea  spoonful  every  hour  or  two,  to  keep  the 
bowels  in  a  laxative  state,  are  proper. 

The  inflammation  x^rmtdi  galling^  which  so  frequent- 
ly occurs  in  the  groin,  between  the  legs,  and  on  the  neck 
of  an  infant,  evidently  arises  from  inattention  to  cleanli- 
ness, and  from  the  use  of  coarse  or  new  pilches,^ 

*  If  children  were  attentively  held  over  a  pan  from  tlie  month, 


Diseases  of  Infants, 


477 


The  cure  will  easily  be  effected  by  washing  the  parts 
often  in  cold  water,  and  after  being  wiped  dry,  dusting 
them  witli  prepared  chalk,  or  starch.  If  the  excoriations 
are  situated  about  the  genitals,  it  may  also  be  proper  to 
apply  a  thick  mucilage  of  gum  arabic,  or  to  cover  the 
part  with  a  little  fresh  saturnine  or  simple  cerate,  to  de- 
fend it  from  the  action  of  the  urine. 

Slight  ulcerations  behind  the  ears  of  infants  are  also 
very  common,  and  only  require  to  be  washed  daily  with 
cold  water,  and  covered  with  a  singed  rag  to  keep  the 
cap  from  sticking  to  diem.  They  are  sometimes  bene- 
ficial, especially  during  bowel  complaints,  or  teething; 
and  will  get  well  and  break  out  again  into  very  foul 
sores  several  times,  without  any  cause  for  alarm. 

However,  when  these  sores  become  extensive  and 
painful,  it  will  be  proper  to  apply  a  blister  on  the  nape 
of  the  neck,  to  draw  off  the  heated  serum,  and  to  give, 
now  and  then,  a  few  grains  of  magnesia  and  rhubarb, 
or  the  absorbent  and  aperient  mixture  (see  Recipe  9.) 
The  sores  should  also  be  well  washed  with  castile  soap 
and  water,  and  dressed  with  an  ointment  composed  of 
one  drachm  of  calomel  and  one  ounce  of  the  simple  cerate 
mixed  well  together,  and  spread  on  each  side  of  a  dou- 
ble linen  cloth;  which  must  be  applied  twice  a  day. 

DISEASES  OF  CHILDREN  REQUIRING 
MEDICAL  TREATMENT. 

Before  we  proceed  to  the  consideration  of  those  dis- 
orders requiring  medical  treatment,  it  may  be  proper  to 
give  a  hint  in  regard  to  the  doses  of  medicine.  In  pre- 
scribing for  children,  the  chief  difficulty  lies  in  fixing 
the  appropriate  dose;  and  hence  medicines  more  fre- 
quently fail  with  them,  or  are  over-dosed,  than  with  the 
adult.  As  a  direction,  therefore,  it  is  proper  to  examine 
in  a  general  manner,  the  proportions  fit  for  this  early 
period  of  life. 

it  would  be  found  that  they  are  more  cleanly  than  people  suppose, 
and  would  supersede  altogether  the  use  of  cloths,  either  by  night 
or  day. 


478  Infantile  Jaundice, — Snuffies. 

Thus  seven  years  require  half  the  dose  of  an  adult. 

Three  years  the  fourth. 

One  year  the  sixth. 

One  month  ........  the  tenth. 

With  these  proportions  in  view,  where  no  peculiarity 
of  constitution  exists,  the  doses  stated  will  generally 
succeed. 

INFANTILE  JAUNDICE. 

That  yellow  colour  of  the  skin,  which  is  observed  in 
some  infants  a  day  or  two  after  birth,  arises  from  vis- 
cid matter  affecting  the  gall-ducts;  and  is  readily  re- 
moved by  the  exhibition  of  three  or  four  grains  of  ipe- 
cacuanha, or  a  few  drops  of  antimonial  wine,  to  excite 
vomiting,  and  by  keeping  the  bowels  open  by  the  occa- 
sional use  of  the  absorbent  and  aperient  mixture  (see 
Recipe  9),  or  a  watery  infusion  of  rhubarb.  Should  the 
symptoms  continue,  the  emetic  ought  to  be  repeated 
after  tvvo  or  three  days,  and  the  above  mixture  or  rhu- 
barb given  every  other  day. 

SNUFFLES. 

This  term  is  given  to  a  disease,  which  generally 
affects  children  within  the  month,  and  most  commonly 
in  the  first  or  second  week,  on  account  of  the  noise 
made  in  respiration.  The  discharge  is  much  more  abun- 
dant than  that  which  attends  common  cold.  It  is,  from 
the  first,  purulent  and  thick;  and  afterwards  turns 
thin. 

Children  afflicted  with  this  malady  are  always  of  a 
weakly,  unhealthy  habit;  and  though  having  apparently 
no  particular  complaint,  they  seem  incommoded  from 
a  stoppage  of  the  head,  which  is  particularly  percepti- 
ble in  sleep,  when  their  breathing  is  difficult.  A  purple 
streak  is  observable  on  the  verge  of  .the  eye-lids,  as  an 
attendant  on  this  disorder,  with  a  general  fulness  exter- 
nally, about  the  throat  and  neck,  lis  duration  extends 
to  several  weeks;  and  when  it  departs,  it  is  usually  sue- 


Red  Gum, 


479 


ceeded  by  a  disorder  of  the  bowels  and  other  com- 
plaints. 

This  disease  appears  with  various  dej^jrees  of  violence. 
The  chief  symptom  that  gives  uneasiness  here  is  the 
difficulty  of  breathing  through  the  nose,  which  arises 
from  an  inflammation  of  the  membrane,  that  lines  the 
posterior  nostrils  and  throat.  By  this  inflammation  ex- 
tending, every  part  comes  to  be  affected,  even  to  the 
stomach  and  bowels,  and  hence  the  great  and  increabing 
debility  it  quickly  occasions.  The  stools  are  thick  and 
pasty,  and  of  a  peculiar  green  or  blue  colour. 

From  this  account  of  the  disorder,  the  state  of  the 
bowels  is  a  circumstance  which  must  be  more  attended 
to,  than  in  almost  any  other  disease.  To  this  end,  one 
or  two  tea-spoonfuls  of  castor  oil  should  be  given  every 
day,  so  as  to  procure  four  or  five  evacuations  daily. 
The  bark  should  be  given  in  a  decoction  or  glyster, 
joined  with  cordials,  to  support  the  strength  of  the  child. 
The  same  remedies  should  be  exhibited  to  the  wet 
nurse.  * 

The  acrimony  of  the  discharge  on  the  adjacent  sur- 
faces of  the  nose  and  throat,  should  be  prevented  by 
washing  the  parts  frequently  with  warm  camomile,  or 
elder-flower  tea,  and  afterwards  applying  a  little  sweet 
oil.  Where  convulsions  are  threatened,  or  occur,  lau- 
danum is  very  proper,  after  the  operation  of  laxative 
medicines;  and  in  many  cases,  the  anodyne  should  be 
given  two  or  three  times  a-day.  In  this  disease,  blisters 
are  improper,  as  tending  to  produce  gangrene  of  the 
part. 

RED  GUxVr, 

Is  an  efflorescence  of  spots,  varying  in  their  size  and 
appearance,  confined  to  the  superior  parts  of  the  body. 
In  general  it  is  necessary  only  to  keep  the  bowels  open 
with  the  absorbent  and  aperient  mixture,  or  magnesia, 
and  to  keep  the  child  moderately  warm,  otherwise  the 
rash  striking  in,  may  fall  upon  the  bowels  and  produce 
fever.  Infants  are  Uable  to  various  kinds  of  rash,  both 


0 


480  Thrush. — Costiveness,  ^c, 

in  the  mouth  and  on  the  body,  till  the  period  of  teeth- 
ing is  over. 

These  cutaneous  affections  will  be  found  owing  either 
to  some  ill  quality  in  the  breast  milk,  a  heating  regimen, 
or  errors  in  diet.  It  is  only  necessary  to  avoid  the  occa- 
sional causes,  and  the  infant  will  not  be  troubled  with 
them. 

THRUSH, 

Is  an  eruption  of  white  spots,  generally  appearing 
within  the  month,  on  the  lips  and  inside  of  the  mouth, 
and  sometimes  affecting  the  whole  alimentary  canal. 
Like  the  preceding  disease,  it  ow^s  its  origin  to  som.e 
affection  of  the  first  passages,  and  consequently  will  re- 
quire a  similar  treatment. 

As  a  local  application,  borax  and  honey,  in  propor- 
tion of  one  drachm  of  the  former,  finely  powdered,  to 
an  ounce  of  the  latter,  and  well  mixed  together,  will 
have  an  excellent  effect  in  cleansing  the  mouth,  and 
healing  the  ulcers,  especially  when  the  milk  adheres 
much  to  its  surfaces.  A  little  of  this  paste  may  be  .put 
on  the  child's  tongue,  as  often  as  may  be  necessary  to 
keep  the  parts  clean;  which  will  be  licked  to  every  part 
of  the  mouth,  and  will  effectually  do,  without  putting 
the  infant  to  pain,  by  forcibly  rubbing  it  on.  But  the 
cure  is  not  permanent,  unless  the  occasional  causes  are 
avoided,  and  the  absorbent  and  aperient  mixture,  (see 
Recipe  9,)  or  magnesia,  be  given  to  subdue  the  feverish 

state  of  the  svstem. 
•I 

COSTIVENESS  AND  WIND. 

Costiveness  may  be  either  constitutional  or  acquired. 
When  constitutional,  it  is  better  to  do  but  little,  parti- 
cularly if  the  child  appears  in  tolerable  health  in  every 
other  respect.  In  case  of  acquired  costiveness,  the  pre- 
vention, as  well  as  cure,  will  only  be  permanently  found 
by  avoiding  improper  treatment  and  diet. 

Flatulence  generally  accompanies  costiveness,  and 


Looseness,  or  Cholera  Infantum,  481 


is  sometimes  attended  with  pains  of  the  stomach,  and 
bowels,  which  are  indicated  by  the  drawing  up  of  the 
infant's  limbs,  and  by  its  agonizing  manner  of  crying. 
Under  such  circun»stances,  it  will  be  proper  to  apply 
warmth  to  the  belly,  by  bran  or  camomile  flowers  heat- 
ed with  hot  water,  and  put  into  a  bladder,  which  is  only 
to  be  half  filled  \vith  it,  and  then  tied  and  wrapped  up 
in  a  flannel.  At  the  same  time  it  will  be  proper  to  give 
a  tea- spoonful  or  two  of  castor  oil.  If  this  should  not 
operate  speedily,  or  the  child  remain  in  much  pain,  a 
plain  glyster  of  thin  gruel  should  be  administered. 

The  suppository  will  sometimes  answer  very  well. 
The  best  in  common  use  is  prepared  by  scraping  a  can- 
dle until  it  is  rendered  sufficiently  small  and  tapering 
to  introduce  it  into  the  anus  about  an  inch,  or  two 
inches  at  most.  It  will  be  better  to  dip  it  in  oil  be- 
fore used.  A  strip  of  paper  or  linen  cloth  twisted 
up,  and  well  moistened  with  oil,  is  easily  introduced, 
and  forms  also  a  good  suppository y  or  dry  glyster. 

It  is  a  very  common  practice  to  give  carminative  me- 
dicines to  infants,  in  order  to  remove  flatulence,  such  as 
grated  ginger  and  spices  of  different  kinds.  These 
ought  never  to  be  employed  when  the  infant  is  the  least 
feverish,  or  when  the  bowels  are  in  a  costive  state.  If 
any  flatulence  remain  after  costiveness  has  been  re- 
moved, and  there  are  no  febrile  symptoms,  a  drop  or 
two  of  laudanum,  or  double  the  quantity  of  parego- 
ric, fennel  tea,  and  a  little  of  the  absorbent  and  ape- 
rient mixture,  (see  Recipe  9)  or  magnesia,  may  be  giv- 
en w  ith  advantage. 

It  is  the  bad  manner  of  feeding,  as  well  as  over-feed- 
ing children,  in  general,  even  at  the  breast,  that  is  the 
cause  of  almost  all  they  suffer  from  costiveness,  flatu- 
lence, and  acidity. 

LOOSENESS,  OR  CHOLERA  INFANTUM. 

A  purging  is  one  of  the  most  frequent  complaints  of 
infancy;  however,  it  should  be  remembered  that  it  is 
not  always  a  disease;  but  on  the  contrary,  it  often  proves 

3  P 


482 


Looseness^  or  Cholera  Infantum, 


a  remedy.  By  it,  nature  most  commonly  throws  off  an 
offending  cause.  Its  causes,  therefore,  and  treatment, 
require  very  particular  attention. 

Both  vomiting  and  purging  very  often  arise  from  un- 
wholesome milk  or  other  food,  from  teething,  from  a 
moist  cold  air,  as  well  as  from  the  sudden  disappear- 
ance of  some  eruption  on  the  skin.  The  purging  is  not 
then  hastily  to  be  stopped,  until  the  offending  cause  be 
removed. 

The  treatment,  therefore,  of  this  complaint,  must 
consist  first  in  removing,  as  far  as  possible,  the  irrita- 
ting matter,  and  then  checking  die  particular  symptoms. 
If  the  offending  cause  appears  lodged  in  the  stomach, 
the  cure  should  begin  by  giving  an  emetic,  and  after- 
ter wards  small  doses  of  rhubarb,  or  the  absorbent  and 
aperient  mixture  (see  Recipe  9). 

The  nature  of  this  disease  is  to  be  often  drawn  from 
the  appearance  of  the  stools,  and  the  treatment  ought 
in  a  great  measure  to  be  regulated  from  that  circum- 
stance. Thus  when  the  stools  are  sour  and  curdled,  after 
the  necessary  evacuations  have  been  premised,  the  ab- 
sorbent mixture  (see  Recipe  8)  or  a  few  grains  of  pre- 
pared chalk  or  magnesia,  combined  with  grated  nut- 
meg, or  some  aromatic,  is  strongly  pointed  out,  in  ad- 
dition to  opening  medicines.  When  again  the  stools  are 
slimy,  and  of  a  clayey  colour,  in  addition  to  the  former 
plan,  injections  of  soap-suds  are  not  to  be  omitted,  and 
castile  soap  dissolved  in  milk  will  be  found  a  useful 
drink.  When  die  stools  are  watery  and  bloody,  or  foetid, 
castor  oil  and  calomel  are  the  best  purgatives,  and  if 
attended  with  much  griping,  glysters  of  milk  and  soap- 
suds should  be  often  repeated. 

The  extent  and  continuance  of  this  plan,  must  de- 
pend on  the  obstinacy  of  the  complaint.  To  these  me- 
dicines, opiates  according  to  the  age  of  the  child,  may 
be  given  with  the  greatest  advantage  at  bed-time,  pro- 
vided there  exists  no  febrile  symptoms. 

When  the  child  is  cold  and  languid,  the  purgative 
medicines  ought  to  be  joined  with  some  aromatics,  as 
grated  ginger,  and  given  less  frequently:  and  during 
the  intermediate  days,  as  well  as  the  evening  after  the 


Discharge  from  the  V agina. 


483 


physic  has  operated,  a  cordial  diet,  such  as  the  addi" 
tion  of  wine  in  gruel  or  arrow  root,  with  plenty  of  nut' 
meg,  should  be  allowed. 

Besides  this  internal  treatment,  external  applications 
are  of  the  greatest  service,  as  cloths  moistened  with  the 
camphorated  spirits,  or  wrung  out  of  brandy  stewed 
with  spices,  and  applied  warm  to  the  belly  and  extremi- 
ties.  Blisters  to  the  legs  and  arms  have  also  their  good 
effects,  and  ought  to  be  rej)eated  in  obstinate  cases. 
Wearing  flannel  next  the  skin,  or  a  bark  jacket,  will 
also  prove  an  auxiliary. 

A  soft  flannel  bandage,  passed  frequently,  and  with 
some  degree  of  tightness,  round  the  body  immediately 
over  the  stomach  and  bowels,  is  found  to  be  a  very 
useful  remedy  in  this  complaint. 

In  the  treatment  of  all  abdominal  complaints,  much 
attention  is  necessary  to  the  nature  and  kind  of  food  or 
nourishment  taken.  The  food  of  children,  with  this 
view,  should  be  deprived  of  acid  as  miich  as  possible; 
hence,  instead  of  milk,  animal  food,  in  the  form  of  beef 
tea,  or  mutton  broth,  is  preferable.  When  there  is  an 
habitual  disposition  to  purging,  there  is  no  diet  superior 
to  arrow  root;  and  when  this  is  not  at  hand,  flower  ba- 
ked in  an  oven  till  it  breaks  into  a  powder,  and  afterwards 
made  up  with  boiled  milk,  is  a  good  substitute.  Tapi- 
oca and  sago  are  also  very  nutritious.  Indeed  it  is  pro- 
per to  alternate  the  food  occasionally,  from  one  kind  to 
another,  and  frequently  to  exhibit  the  animal  food  in  a 
solid  form,  when  the  stomach  rejects  fluid  nourishment. 
The  change  of  the  wet  nurse  sometimes  makes  a  ne- 
cessary part  of  the  treatment;  and  when  a  child  has 
been  weaned,  resuming  the  breast  has  often  had  the 
happiest  effect. 

In  many  instances,  a  change  of  air  alone  has  proved 
an  effectual  remedy,  after  every  other  means  had  failed. 

DISCHARGE  FROM  THE  VAGINA. 

Infants  have  sometimes  a  discharge  from  the  vagina, 
a  few  days  after  birth,  resembling  matter;  but  it  is  of 
no  consequence,  as  it  goes  off  of  itself  in  a  short  time. 


484 


fVorms. 


Children  of  five  or  six  years  old  are  subject  to  a  mu- 
cous discharge,  resembling  the  genuine  whites  of  adults, 
which  will  in  some  instances  be  in  an  excessive  quanti- 
ty, so  as  to  run  through  all  their  clothes.  The  disease 
readily  yields  to  a  little  cooling  physic,  as  the  cathartic 
or  absorbent  and  aperient  mixture  (see  Recipe  9)  and 
keeping  the  parts  perfectly  clean  with  soap-suds  or  lead 
water.  When  it  is  obstinate,  balsam  capivi  may  be 
given  thrice  a-day,  and  if  the  child  is  puny,  the  tincture 
of  steel  is  a  suitable  remedy. 

WORMS. 

The  symptoms  enumerated  as  most  commonly  distin- 
guishing worms,  are,  pain  and  acid  eructation  of  the 
stomach,  variable  appetite,  foul  tongue,  fcetid  breath; 
the  belly  full,  hard  and  tense,  with  occasional  gripings 
or  pains  in  different  parts  of  it,  particularly  about  the 
navel;  irregular  state  of  the  belly,  heat  and  itchiness  of 
the  fundament,  urine  while  and  limpid,  and  often  dis- 
charged with  difficulty.  With  these  symptoms  are  join- 
ed a  dull  appearance  of  the  eyes,  often  dilation  of  the 
pupil,  itchiness  of  the  nostrils,  short  dry  cough,  slow  fe- 
ver, vvith  evening  exacerbations  and  irregubr  pulse, 
grinding  of  the  teeth  in  sleep,  Sec. 

However,  many  of  the  above  symptoms  occur  in 
other  diseases;  and  I  believe,  as  was  suggested  to  me 
by  the  learned  Dr.  Caldwell  of  Philadelphia,  that  worms 
are  much  oh^mr  suspected  to  be  the  cause  of  children's 
complaints,  than  what  they  really  are. 

For  the  cure  of  worms,  two  indications  arise;  first, 
to  expel  them,  and  secondly,  to  prevent  their  generation. 
The  first  may  be  effected  by  giving  a  dose  of  calomel 
at  bed-time,  and  rhubarb  the  next  morning  to  work  it 
off.  The  pink-root  (see  Materia  Medica)  has  long 
been  held  in  high  estimation  as  a  vermifuge.  It  may 
be  given  in  the  form  of  tea,  with  milk,  sweetened,  for 
breakfast,  oloserving  not  to  continue  the  use  of  it,  if  it 
is  found  to  effect  the  child's  eyes.  The  bark  of  the  pride 
of  China  (see  Materia  Medica)  is  much  extolled  of 


Convulsive  Fits. 


485 


1  late,  as  a  remedy  for  worms.  My  friend  Dr.  Grimes, 
of  Savannah,  says,  that  he  considers  it  one  of  the  best 
vermifuges  Wje  are  acquainted  with.  He  directs  a  tea  to 
be  made  of  the  bark  of  this  tree,  and  as  much  of  it 
I  taken  during  the  day,  as  the  child  can  bear  without 
j  producing  vomiting,  purging,  or  considerable  weakness 
of  the  limbs. 

External  applications  have  also  been  found  useful 
for  the  removal  of  this  complaint.  These  consist  of  a 
liniment  made  of  equal  parts  of  beef's  gall,  aloes  and 
sweet  oil  or  fresh  butter  rubbed,  on  the  belly  every 
night;  or  a  plaster  made  of  dry  rue  and  aloes,  or  gall 
mixed  up  with  a  little  turpentine  and  lard,  and  applied 
over  the  region  of  the  belly,  taking  care  to  cover  the 
navel  with  a  piece  of  cotton. 

The  future  generation  of  worms  will  be  prevented 
by  avoiding  greasy  food,  and  by  taking  the  rust  or  tinc- 
ture of  steel  thrice  a-day,  joined  with  bitters,  to  give 
tone  to  the  bowels. 

CONVULSIVE  FITS. 

The  convulsions  of  children  are  generally  preceded 
by  slight  symptoms  of  distortion  of  the  face,  as,  invo- 
luntary laughter  when  asleep  or  awake,  squinting  of  the 
eyes  towards  the  nose,  or  turning  them  upwards,  the 
child,  at  the  same  time,  changing  to  a  bluish  colour. 
The  fit  itself  is  distinguished  by  distortions,  more  or 
less  general,  according  to  the  violence  of  the  attack. 
They  are  attended  with  the  usual  symptoms  of  froth, 
or  frothy  discharge  from  the  mouth,  and  they  are  ter- 
minated by  profound  sleep,  from  which  the  child  awakes 
unconscious  of  its  former  state. 

The  treatment  depends  on  the  particular  cause  of  ir- 
ritation. Thus  when  it  is  expected  to  arise  from  reten- 
tion of  the  meconium^  or  undigested  matter  received 
into  the  stomach,  laxatives,  as  castor  oil,  should  be 
given  as  early  as  possible.  When  from  teething,  the 
protrusion  of  the  teeth  should  be  hastened  by  lancing 
the  gums.  When  from  retropelled  eruption^  the  warm 

J- 


486  Teething, — Watery  Head. 


bath  and  blisters  are  to  be  had  recourse  to.  And  whe 
from  xvorrns,  the  remedies  detailed  in  that  disease  are 
to  be  employed. 

When  the  cause  of  convulsions  is  unknown,  throwing 
up  a  glyster,  bathing  the  extremities  in  warm  water, 
and  blood-letting,  if  the  child  seems  able  to  bear  it,  are 
the  safest  means  during  the  uncertainty.  The  symp- 
toms still  continuing,  sinapisms  should  be  applied  to 
the  extremities,  and  blisters  behind  the  ears. 

An  emetic  of  ipecacuanha  or  antimonial  wine,  is 
found  to  be  an  exceedingly  useful  remedy  in  this  dis- 
ease. 

TEETHING. 

The  symptoms  that  mark  dentition  are,  heat  and 
swelling  of  the  gum,  and  a  tendency  to  drivel  or  slaver 
much,  with  starting,  and  thrusting  of  the  fingers  into  the 
mouth. 

Difficult  teething,  as  a  species  of  inflammatory  disease, 
is  to  be  treated  as  such.  Bleeding  with  a  leech  or  two 
behind  the  ears,  or  applying  blisters  there,  or  to  the 
nape  of  the  neck,  will  be  found  beneficial.  But  nothing 
is  so  effectual  as  scarifying  the  gum  with  a  lancet,  which 
"should  be  occasionally  repeated,  according  to  the  ur- 
gency of  the  symptoms;  for,  by  thus  removing  the  cause 
of  irritation,  the  effect  cannot  fail  to  cease. 

A  moderate  looseness  being  beneficial  in  teething, 
should  rather  be  encouraged  than  checked.  If  costive- 
ness  prevails,  it  must  be  removed  by  the  occasional  use 
of  the  cathartic,  or  absorbent  and  aperient  mixture,  (see 
Recipe  11);  and  when  there  is  much  fever,  the  antimo- 
nial solution  (see  Recipe  6)  in  very  small  doses,  to  pro- 
duce perspiration,  should  also  be  employed. 

WATERY  HEAD. 

This  disease  is  distinguished  by  pain  of  the  head, 
accompanied  with  nausea,  sickness  and  other  disorders 
of  the  animal  functions,  without  any  evident  cause,  and 


Watery  Head, 


487 


sudden  in  their  attack^  variable  state  of  pulse;  constant 
slow  fever;  and  in  the  advanced  stage  of  the  disease, 
dilation  of  the  pupil  of  the  eye,  with  a  tendency  to  a 
comatose  state.  / 

It  most  frequently  takes  place  between  the  age  of 
two  and  ten  years,  and  with  children  of  a  scrofulous 
habit.  It  may,  however,  arise  from  falls  and  blows  on 
the  head. 

The  first  stage  of  the  disease  is  marked  by  loss  of 
appetite,  and  a  degree  of  melancholy  and  uneasiness, 
without  the  child  being  able  to  fix  on  any  particular 
cause.  Pain  in  the  head  is  next  felt,  especially  above 
the  eyes,  and  in  a  direction  betwixt  the  temples.  In 
very  young  subjects,  pain  in  the  head  is  indicated  by 
the  child  putting  his  hand  often  to  his  head,  and  waving 
it  about.  This  pain  gradually  extends,  and  is  at  last  felt 
more  particularly  in  the  arm  and  leg  of  one  side.  The 
affections  of  the  stomach  next  commence,  and  alternate 
with  pain  and  uneasiness  of  the  head.  The  febrile 
symptoms,  though  pretty  constant,  are  milder  in  the 
morning,  but  sufter  also  an  evening  exacerbation.  Vo- 
miting occasionally  occurs,  but  costiveness  is  a  leading 
symptom;  the  tongue  is  a  little  affected,  except  towards 
the  end,  when  it  assumes  a  scarlet  colour,  and  some- 
times becomes  aphthous.  As  the  disease  advances,  all 
the  symptoms  of  hectic  are  conspicuous,  and  during  the 
whole  disease,  the  child  shows  a  strong  propensity  to 
the  bed,  or  a  desire  to  avoid  being  moved. 

This  disease  is  truly  inflammatory  in  its  commence-' 
ment,  and  can  only  be  treated  with  success  by  the  early 
,  employment  of  those  means  which  are  best  calculated 
to  subdue  inflammation;  such  as  copious  and  repeated 
bleedings,  the  application  of  leeches  or  cups,  blisters 
to  the  head  and  temples,  and  an  issue  behind  the  neck. 

Besides  these  external  remedies,  active  purges,  as 
calomel  and  jalap,  must  be  frequently  administered,  and 
if  possible  a  ptyulism  should  be  produced  by  the  use  of 
mercury,  either  in  the  form  of  calomel  in  small  doses, 
or  by  rubbing  in  the  unction. 

If  acid  prevails,  the  absorbent-mixture  (see  Recipe  8), 


488  Croups  or  Hives. 

must  occasionally  be  given,  and  during  the  continuance 
of  fever,  the  tincture  of  digitalis  or  foxglove,  (see  Recipe 
55)  will  be  found  an  auxiliary. 

After  subduing  the  inflamnriatory  action  of  the  system, 
opium  or  laudanum  may  be  employed  with  advantage, 
to  relieve  the  spasm,  or  pain  of  the  head,  when  is  it  con- 
siderable. In  the  last  stage  of  the  disease,  cold  bathilig 
and  the  use  of  tonic  medicines,  may  be  required  to  in- 
vigorate the  system. 


CROUP,  OR  HIVES. 

This  disease,  which  is  peculiar  to  children,  is  a  spe- 
cies of  asthma,  with  violent  catarrhal  symptoms.  It  is 
most  common  in  low  marshy  countries,  or  on  the  sea 
coast,  and  in  wet  and  cold  seasons.  Indeed  it  is  readily 
occasioned  by  any  thing  wet  or  damp,  or  which  ob- 
structs the  perspiration. 

There  are  two  species  of  croup,  the  acute  or  inflam- 
matory, and  the  chronical  or  lingering. 

The  former  is  attended  with  a  very  quick  pulse, 
cough,  hoarseness,  and  difficulty  of  breathing,  soon  after 
and  sometimes  even  before  the  occurrence  of  the  croak- 
ing noise,  which  is  the  characteristic  of  this  disorder.  As 
the  disease  increases,  the  pulse  quickens,  the  heat  aug- 
ments, and  an  excessive  restlessness  takes  place.  The 
breathing  becomes  more  and  more  difficult,  and  labori- 
ous, and  the  peculiar  wheezing  sound  which  accom- 
panies it,  so  increases,  as  to  be  heard  at  a  considerable 
distance. 

The  symptoms  continue  to  increase  in  violence,  until 
a  spasm  of  the  muscles  of  the  parts  taking  place,  the 
patient  is  suffi)cated;  the  disease  ofte«  completing  its 
course  in  the  space  of  three  or  four  days  and  nights. 

The  extreme  degree  of  danger  which  always  accom- 
panies this  disease,  and  the  rapidity  with  which  its 
symptoms  proceed,  show  that-immediate  remedies  are 
requisite  to  arrest  its  progress.  Therefore,  on  the  first 
appearance,  blood-letting,  both  general  and  topical, 
should  be  eniployed,  and  repeated  two  or  three  times  a- 


Croups  or  Hives, 


489 


clay,  according  to  the  violence  of  the  symptoms,  and  ha- 
bit of  the  patient.  Immediately  after  bleeding,  an  emetic 
should  be  administered,  and  the  sickness  kept  up  for 
several  liours  or  even  days,  by  small  doses  of  the  antimo- 
nal  solution,  (see  Recipe  6). 

Inhaling  the  steams  of  hot  vinegar  and  water,  and 
embrocating  the  throat  with  the  volatile  liniment,  (see 
Recipe  64)  have  also  their  good  effects.  Besides  which, 
the  application  of  blisters  to  the  throat  are  not  to  be  ne- 
glected, if  the  symptoms  are  the  least  alarming. 

The  decoction  of  seneka  or  rattle  snake  root,  (see 
Materia  Medica),  is  a  valuable  medicine  in  this  dreadful 
complaint.  It  should  be  given  at  first  in  such  doses  as 
to  excite  vomiting,  and  afterwards  in  smaller  doses,  to 
keep  up  a  nausea  at  the  stomach,  and  to  produce  per- 
spiration. Onions  (sec  Materia  Medica)  are  also  cele- 
brated as  a  sovereign  remedy. 

The  tincture  of  digitalis  or  foxglove,  (see  Recipe  55) 
is  likewise  a  good  remedy,  if  employed  in  the  early 
stage  of  the  disease.  Attention  should  always  be  paid 
to  keep  the  bowels  open  by  castor  oil,  or  some  aperient 
medicine. 

The  most  speedy  and  efficacious  of  all  remedies,  in 
this  alarming  disease,  which  has  come  under  my  notice, 
is  calomel  in  very  large  doses.  For  this  valuable  reme- 
dy, I  candidly  acknowledge  myself  indebted  to  my  ex- 
cellent and  very  learned  friend,  professor  Davidge  of 
Baltimore. 

From  him,  I  have  been  emboldened  to  use  it  in  des- 
perate cases,  in  doses  from  thirty  to  sixty  grains,  to 
children.  On  my  own  daughter,  only  four  years  old, 
and  apparently  in  the  very  act  of  suffocation,  I  used  it 
in  the  dose  of  at  least  sixty  grains.  The  cure  was  al- 
most instantaneous.  Among  other  instances  of  cure  as 
surprising,  was  one  in  the  infant  of  my  amiable  friend, 
Mrs.  Chalmers,  lady  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Chalmers,  of 
Washington.  The  dose  was  forty  grains.  The  cure 
was  so  immediate,  that  the  over-joyed  parerit  insisted  I 
would  instruct  her  in  the  remedy,  for  fear,  on  the  next 
attack,  I  might  not  be  in  the  way  to  prescribe.  On 

3Q 


490  Hooping'  Cough. 

learning  I  had  given  her  infant,  not  more  than  between 
thret-  and  four  years  old,  forty  grains  of  calomel,  she 
was  excessively  frightened,  and  exclaimed,  "  you  have 
killed  my  child!"  and  indeed  she  could  hardly  be  per- 
suaded for  some  time,  though  her  eyes  told  her  the  con- 
trary, that  I  had  not  Jailed  her  child. 

So  powerful  is  the  effect  of  this  medicine,  that  it  sud- 
denly removes  the  dibcase  without  having  recourse  to 
other  means.  It  acts  on  the  stomach,  bowels  and  skin. 
In  cases  not  very  alarming,  I  have  given  calomel  in 
smaller  d(5ses,  conjoined  with  ipecacuanha,  with  good 
e  fleets. 

The  flaxseed  syrup  is  peculiarly  beneficial  in  all  dis- 
eases attended  with  cough,  and  therefore  should  not  be 
omitted  in  this.  To  prevent  a  relapse,  and  to  restore 
the  strength  of  the  patient,  it  will  be  proper,  at  the  close 
of  this  complaint,  to  give  bark  in  any  form*  which  is 
most  agreeable  and  convenient.  • 

The  latter,  or  chronical  croup,  is  produced  by  spasm, 
and  unaccompanied  with  fever.  A  most  important  re- 
medy in  this  species,  if  early  used,  is  the  warm  bath, 
immedialeiy  followed  by  a  glister,  to  which  some  of 
the  juice  of  raw  onioHs  may  be  added.  A  tea-spoonful 
or  two  of  the  juice  may  also  be  given  by  the  mouth.  If 
the  symptoms  do  not  yield  to  this  treatment,  an  emetic 
should  be  administered,  and  after  its  operation,  a  dose 
of  laudanum  will  be  proper. 

Some  children  are  troubled  with  this  complaint  for 
several  years,  and  then  seem  to  out-grow  it.  A  flannel 
shirt,  light  diet,  cold  bath,  change  of  air,  gentle  exercise, 
and  whatever  strengthens  the  body,  are  the  best  pre- 
ventives. 

HOOPING-COUGH, 

Is  a  contagious  disease,  attacking  in  paroxysms  of  a 
convulsive  suffocating  cough,  with  a  loud  noise  or  hoop 
at  each  respiration,  and  generally  terminating  by  vomit- 
ing. It  is  clearly  the  effect  of  a  specific  contagion,  of 
a  peculiar  nature,  and  highly  active,  affecting,  like  the. 
small-pox  and  measles,  but  once  in  life. 


Hooping-  Cough, 


491 


The  treatment  of  this  disease  must  be  regulated  by 
the  degree  of  fever  and  spasm.  When  the  fever  is  con- 
siderable, bleeding  becomes  clearly  indicated,  as  well 
as  blisters  over  the  breast,  and  the  use  of  laxative  me- 
dicines, together  with  such  as  may  determine  to  the  sur- 
face; of  which  class,  the  decoction  of  rattle- snake  root, 
(see  Materia  Medica)  or  the  antimonial  solution,  (see 
Recipe  6)  are  to  be  preferred. 

When  the  spasmodic  state  is  most  predominant,  and 
the  symptoms  of  fever  mild,  errctics  will  be  highly  use- 
ful, followed  by  a  dose  of  the  anodyne  sudorific  drops, 
(see  Recipe  17)  at  bed-time.  If  a  free  use  of  the  flax- 
seed syrup  is  not  sufficient  to  allay  the  cough,  laudanum, 
or  paregoric,  when  fever  does  not  forbid,  may  be  given 
with  the  greatest  advantage.  • 

In  this  tiresome  disease,  I  have  foimd  no  remedy, 
when  there  is  little  or  no  fever,  superior  to  this  mix- 
ture*, given  three  or  four  times  a-day,  in  syrup  or  tea; 
commencing  with  small  doses,  and  gradually  increasing 
them  until  a  slight  strangury  is  excited.  The  strangury 
usually  comes  on  about  the  third  day,  and  the  hooping- 
cough  seldom  continues  longer  than  a  few  days  after- 
wards. 

A  grain  of  assafoetida,  administered  four  or  five  times 
a-day,  proves  oftentimes  a  very  useful  remedy  in  cases 
of  hooping-cough. 

When  the  disease  is  recurrent,'  and  returns  some  time 
after  its  apparent  departure,  as  it  frequently  does  upon 
taking  cold,  an  emetic,  a  dose  or  two  of  castor  oil,  and 
the  anodyne  sudorific  drops,  (see  Recipe  17)  laudanum, 
or  paregoric  at  bed-time,  as  the  symptoms  may  indicate, 
will  quickly  remove  it.  A  milk  and  vegetalDle  diet  is 
peculiaVly  proper  in  this  complaint;  and  when  the  pa- 
tient is  debilitated,  a  change  of  air  and  tonic  medicines, 
as  the  bark  of  columbo,  will  be  found  necessary. 

*  Take  of 

Tincture  of  bark,  one  ounce  and  a  half, 
Paregoric,  half  an  ounce, 
Tincture  of  cantharides,  one  drachm, 
Mix. 


492 


RICKETS,  J 

Consist  in  an  enlargement  of  the  head,  belly,  and 
joints,  flattened  ribs,  and  general  emaciation,  with  a 
bloated  or  florid  countenance.  This  disorder  generally 
takes  place  from  six  months  to  two  years  of  age,  and 
arises  either  from  unhealthy  parents,  or  from  the  chil- 
dren being  improperly  nursed,  kept  wet,  dirty,  in  a  close 
damp  air,  without  due  exercise. 

VVeakness  and  relaxation  being  the  cause  of  this  com- 
plaint, its  remedy  must  of  course  be  to  promote  diges- 
tion, and  to  brace  and  strengthen  the  solids.  Hence  a 
nutritious  and  cordial  diet,  with  exercise  in  the  country 
air,  is  indispensable.  Along  with  this,  the  cold- bath 
and  tonic  medicines,  as  bark,  columbo,  and  steel,  to 
warm  and  invigorate  the  constitution,  are  peculiarly 
proper;  but  they  should  not  be  entered  upon,  without 
previous  purging  with  calomel  and  jalap.  The  tincture 
of  rhubarb  (see  Recipe  52)  should  also  be  occasionally 
employed,  to  keep  the  bowels  in  a  regular  state.  How- 
ever, nothing  will  be  found  more  eftectual  in  recover^- 
ing  the  patient,  than  a  generous  diet,  and  cold  bathing, 
particularly  in  salt  water.  Sea-bathing  constitutes,  per- 
haps, the  most  promising  remedy  in  this  disease. 


MATERIA  MEDICA, 


'  **HOW  wonderful  are  thy  works/O  Lord!  in  wis- 
dom  hast  ihoa  made  them  all;  the  earth  is  full  of  thy 
riches.'* 

Ill  all  parts  of  these  his  Glorious  Works,  in  their 
admirable  fitness  to  one  another,  and  their  constant  sub- 

■  serviency  to  the  goodoi  all,  we  behold  the  Wisdom  and 

I  Goodness  of  the  Great  Creator. 

I  But  in  no  department  of  his  works  do  these  traits  of 
mingled  wisdom  and  goodness^  shine  with  greater  lustre 
than  in  the  vegetable  kingdom.  There  is  scarcely  a  plant 
that  greens  the  field,  a  flower  that  gems  the  pasture,  a 
shrub  that  tufts  the  garden,  or  a  tree  that  shades  the 
earth,  that  does  not  contain  certain  medicinal  virtues,  to 
remove  our  pains,  and  to  heal  our  diseases. 

The  American  continent,  though  the  last  found,  is 
not  the  least  favoured  of  God  in  this  respect.  Embra- 
cing almost  every  clime  and  soil  of  the  globe,  it  richly 
abounds  with  drugs  of  every  healing  quality. 

The  common  saying,  that  every  country/  contains  the 

j  best  cures  for  its  own  diseases,  seems  fully  verified  in 
America.  Here,  above  all  countries,  is  the  ague,  and 
here,  exclusively,  is  the  grand  cure,  the  Peruvian  bark 

i  tree,  or  dogwood.  And  here  too,  exclusively,  is  found 

'  the  Spanish- fly,  the  tobacco,  the  Jamestown  weed^  the 
pink  and  snake  roots,  besides  those  other  valuable  plants, 
equal  to  the  ipecacuanha,  rhubarb,  jalap,  &c.  &c.  which 
have  hitherto  been  imported  at  a  great  expence,  though 
not  always  genuine;  but  which  may  now  be  obtained  in 

j  our  own  fields  and  woods,  both  unadulterated  and 

'  cheap. 


494  Materia  Medica.  \ 

Worthy  of  the  high  character  of  Americans,  many  ■ 
gentlemen  of  the  finest  genius  among  us,  have  explored 
the  medical  treasures  of  our  own  country,  and  have 
shown  an  eagerness  to  make  known  the  precious  means 
to  preserve  the  health  and  lives  of  our  citizens.  First  on 
the  list  of  this  noble  band  of  philanthropists,  stands  that 
bright  constellation  of  all  literary  and  professional  genius, 
the  late  professor  Barton,  from  whose  "Collections 
TOWARDS  A  Materia  Medica  of  the  United 
States,"  much  valuable  matter  ha^s  been  selected.  If 
by  the  laws  of  Rome,  "a  civic  crown  was  adjudged  to 
the  man  who  saved  the  life  of  a  single  citizen,"  what 
eulogy  is  sufficiently  great  to  be  attached  to  the  memo- 
ry of  him,  who,  besides  illuminating  several  other  walks 
of  ornamental  and  useful  knowledge,  has  by  investiga- 
ting the  virtues  of  our  native  vegetables,  laid  the  found- 
ation whereby  millions  of  our  worthy  citizens  may  be 
rescued  frorp  an  untimely  death. 

Next  comes  professor  Chapman,  who,  if  possible, 
with  greater  ardour  has  been  bending  the  forces  of  his 
powerful  mind  to  the  same  all-important  researches. 

The  meed  of  highest  gratitude  is  due  also  to  profes- 
sors Hosack,  Dexter,  Mitchell,  and  to  Doctors  Mease, 
Cutler  and  Thatcher;  to  colonels  Hamilton,  Bird,  &c. 

From  the  valuable  discoveries  and  communications 
of  these  gentlemen,  I  have,  with  great  industry  and  care, 
compiled  an  American  Materia  Medica,  exhibit- 
ing, in  alphabetical  order,  the  nameSy  characters,  and 
qualities  of  our  best  medicinal  plants  hitherto  discovered, 
together  with  the  diseases  they  suit,  and  their  proper 
doses,  and  forms  of  administration;  the  whole  stripped 
of  technical  terms,  and  making,  as  I  humbly  hope,  one 
of  the  most  complete  systems  for  family  use  now  extant. 


Materia  Medica, 


495 


AGARIC.  See  Touchwood. 

AGRIMONY. 

Agrimoniay 

Grows  two  or  three  feet  high,  m  hedges  and  the  mar- 
gins of  fields — blossoms  in  July  on  long  spikes,  yellow. 
It  is  known  by  the  vulgar  name  of  cuckold^  from  the 
seeds  sticking  to  the  clothes  in  the  fall  of  the  year. 

In  whey  or  tea  it  forms  a  good  drink  in  fevers.  The 
juice  of  this  plant,  or  a  strong  infusion  of  the  roots,  two 
handfuls  to  a  quart  of  boiling  water,  and  sweetened  with 
honey,  is  an  excellent  medicine  in  the  jaundice,  scurvy, 
and  habitual  diarrhoea  or  looseness.  Dose  of  the  infusion 
half  a  pint;  of  the  juice  a  wine-glassful  three  times  a  day. 
The  herb  has  been  applied  externally  to  fresh  wounds. 

ALDER,  BLACK. 

Alnus  Nigra^ 

Sometimes  called  Virginia  winterberry,  grows  in 
moist  places,  generally  sending  up  several  slender  stalks 
to  the  height  of  ten  feet,  and  bears  a  red  berry. 

The  bark  is  tonic,  and  accordingly  is  used  in  sub- 
stance, or  in  strong  decoction,  like  the  Peruvian  bark, 
in  intcrmittents,  and  other  cases  of  debility,  as  dropsy, 
gangrene,  Sec.  The  inner  bark  in  the  shape  of  poultice 
externally,  with  the  decoction  internally,  a  handful  or 
two  boiled  slowly  in  three  pints  of  water  to  a  quart,  is 
celebrated  both  by  professor  Barto|i  and  Dr.  Mease, 
as  of  admirable  use  in  arresting  the  progress  of  morti- 
fication. A  strong  decoction  of  the  berries  formed  into 
a  syrup  with  molasses  in  dose  of  a  wine-glassful,  or  two 
tea- spoonfuls  of  the  powder  of  the  inner  bark,  is  said  to 
be  a  good  purge. 


ALEXANDER.  See  Parsley,  wild. 


496 


Alateria  Medica, 

ALUM  ROOT. 
Heuchera  Americana, 


Called  also  American  Sanicle.  The  root  is  a  very  in- 
t:^nse  astringent.  It  is  the  basis  of  a  powder  which  has 
lately  acquired  some  reputation  in  the  cure  of  cancer. 
Professor  Barton  observes  that  he  does  not  believe  that 
the  alum  root  has  cured  genuine  cancer,  but  that  it  has 
proved  very  beneficial  in  obstinate  ulcers,  which  have 
been  mistaken  for  cancers.  He  says  it  is  one  of  the  ar- 
ticles in  the  Materia  Medica  of  our  Indians,  the  powder- 
ed root  of  which  they  apply  to  wounds,  ulcers,  and 
cancers. 


ANGELICA. 

Angelica, 

Grows  in  marshy  woods  and  hedges,  flowering  in 
June  and  July.  It  is  frequently  cultivated  in  our  gar- 
dens. 

Every  part  of  this  useful  vegetable  partakes  of  its  aro- 
matic  virtues,  but  especially  the  root,  which  in  the 
form  of  powder,  tincture  or  tea,  is  useful  in  flatulent 
colics.  Conjoined  with  dogwood  bark,  or  any  other  tonic, 
it  may,  like  the  Peruvian  bark,  be  employed  with  ad- 
vantage in  intermittents  and  low  stages  of  fever.  The 
dose,  one  tea-spoonful,  in  substance,  of  the  former  to 
two  of  the  latter.  It  may  also  be  employed  in  the  form 
of  strong  decoction,  in  doses  of  a  gill,  or  in  cold  phleg- 
matic habits,  in  tincture,  either  alone,  or  with  dogwood 
berries,  centaury,  lemon  peel,  or  any  other  articles  of 
the  bitter  and  tonic  class.  A  strong  decoction  of  the 
root,  combined  with  red  oak  bark,  a  large  handful  of 
each  to  a  pint  of  boiling  water,  makes  an  admirable  gar- 
gk  for  relaxed  and  spongy  gums,  and  ulcerated  sore 
throats. 


APPLE,  PERU.  See  T/iom  Apple. 


Materia  Medica. 


497 


ARBUTUS.  See  Bearherry. 
ARROW  ROOT. 

Maranta  Arundinacea, 

Is  cultivated  in  the  southern  states.  A  table-spoon- 
ful  makes  a  pint  of  the  finest  jelly  in  nature,  which  af- 
fords the  most  nutritious  food  in  acute  diseases  for 
children.  To  persons  labouring  under  bowel  complaints^ 
as  diarrhoea  and  dysentery,  it  is  of  itself  a  remedy. 

The  jelly  is  made  in  the  following  manner — To  a 
table-spoonful  of  the  powdered  root,  add  as  much  cold 
water  as  will  make  it  into  a  thin  paste,  and  then  pour  on 
boiling  water  through  the  spout  of  a  kettle,  stirring  it 
at  the  same  time  briskly,  till  it  becomes  a  clear  jelly; 
after  which  season  it  with  sugar  and  nutmeg,  and  to 
render  it  still  more  palatable,  a  little  wine  or  lemon 
juice  may  be  added.  But  to  children,  blending  it  With 
new  milk  is  best. 


ASARABACCA  SWAMP. 
Asarum, 

Grows  in  low  grounds.  It  has  but  two  leaves,  which 
rise  immediately  from  the  root,  and  divide  from  one 
stem.  The  flowers  are  purple  and  bell  shaped,  and 
proceed  from  between  the  leaves. 

The  whole  of  this  plant  has  a  nauseous  bitter  taste. 
The  root,  from  a  half,  to  a  table-spoonful  in  powder, 
operates  both  upwards  and  downwards.  In  the  form  of 
infusion,  a  half  handful  to  a  quart  of  boiling  w^ater,  it 
is  said  to  be  serviceable  in  the  hooping-cough,  in  doses 
of  a  table- spoonful  to  children  every  half  hour,  or 
oftener,  until  it  vomits;  and  in  doses  of  a  tea-cupful 
three  times  a-day,  it  has  been  used  with  success  to  pro- 
mote the  menses,  or  courses, 

3R 


498 


Materia  Medica, 


AVENS  COMMON. 

Geum  Urbanurriy 

Grows  a  foot  high  by  fences  and  borders  of  fields. 
The  blobboms  are  white  or  yellowish  in  Jtily.  Its  smell 
resembles  that  of  cloves. 

A  strong  linccure  of  the  root,  two  handfuls  steeped 
in  a  qiiar^  of  spirifs,  given  to  the  quantity  of  half  a  wine- 
glassiul,  or  the  powder,  in  dohes  of  a  tea-spoonful,  se- 
veral times  a-day,  has  afforded  an  excellent  remedy  in 
intermittents  and  other  disorders  where  strengthening 
medicines  are  requisite.  It  is  said  to  be  equal  to  the 
Peruvian  bark. 

There  is  another  variety  of  this  plant,  called  water 
avens,  throat  root,  cure-all,  which  is  to  be  found  in 
boggy  meadows.  The  blossoms  are  purplish,  and  ap- 
pear in  May.  Its  properties  are  the  same  as  the  prece- 
ding. A  decoction  of  it  has  been  found  beneficial  as  a 
gargle  in  ul  erated  sore  throats,  which  probably  gave 
rise  to  the  name  of  throat  root^  or  throat  wort. 


BACK-ACH  BRAKE.  See  Fern  Female, 


BALM. 

Melissa  Officmalis^  |j| 

Makes  an  excellent  tea  in  fevers,  and  when  sweeten- 
ed, and  aciduiaied  with  the  juice  of  lemons  or  cream  of 
tartar,  forms  a  most  grateful  beverage. 


BARBERRY. 

Berberis  Vulgaris^ 

Grows  along  the  sides  of  roads,  in  hedges; — leaves 
oblong,  tender,  and  subject  to  the  rust;  the  flowers  are 


Materia  Medica. 


499 


in  clusters;  the  fruit  oblong  and  acid;  the  stem  is  de- 
fended by  three  thorns. 

A  double  handful  of  the  berries  boiled  in  three  quarts 
of  water  to  two,  and  given  in  doses  of  a  tea-cupful  four 
or  five  times  a-day,  sweetened  with  white  sugar,  is  ex- 
tolled as  a  remedy  in  diarrhoea,  dysentery  and  jaundice. 

BASTARD  IPECACUANHA.  Ipecacuanha 
American. 

BAYBERRY. 

Myr'ica  Cerifera  Humilis, 

Called  also  Dwarf  Candleberry  Myrtle,  grows  in 
swamps  to  the  height  of  two  or  three  feet,  and  bears  nu- 
merous green  berries,  of  which  tallow  is  made. 

The  bark  of  the  root  has  been  considered  a  good  re- 
medy for  the  jaundice.  The  powder  of  it,  in  doses  of 
twenty  or  thirty  grains,  has  been  employed  as  a  mild 
emetic.  The  inner  bark,  in  poultice,  applied  morning 
and  evening  to  scrophulous  swellings,  and  drinking  a 
tea-cupful  of  a  strong  infusion  of  the  leaves,  is  said  to 
have  wrought  surprising  cures  in  a  fe^v  weeks. 

BEARBERRY. 

Arbutus  Uva  Ursty 

Bears  whortleberry — wild  cranberry.  Is  a  low  ever- 
green shrub,  somewhat  resembling  the  myrtle. 

The  leaves  have  a  bitter  astringent  taste,  and  unques- 
tionably possess  great  medicinal  virtues,  especially 
in  relieving  the  irritation  of  the  stone,  gravel,  and  old 
cases  of  gonorrhoea,  menstrual  discharges,  also  catarrhs 
and  consumptions. 

The  dose — half  a  pint  twice  or  thrice  a-day  of  a  de- 
coction made  of  the  leaves,  a  handful  to  a  pint,  or  a  tea- 
spoonful  in  substance,  two  or  three  times  a-day. 


500  Materia  Medica, 

BEECH  DROPS.  See  Broomrape  Virginia. 

BENNE. 

Sesamum  Orientate^ 

Is  now  cultivated  in  South  Carolina  and  Georgia. 
The  leaves  by  infusion  afford  an  excellent  mucilaginous 
drink,  which  is  ui>ed  with  manifest  advantage  in  dysen- 
tery, diarrhoea,  and  cholera  infantum. 

The  seeds  yield  a  pure  and  pleasant  oil,  which  in 
doses  from  one  to  two  wine-glassfuls,  acts  well  on  the 
bowels.  It  is  now  generally  used  at  the  tables  of  the 
wealthy,  and  from  the  specimen  I  had  of  it  at  the  table 
of  my  honourable  friend,  governor  Milledge,  near  Au- 
gusta, I  consider  it  equal  to  the  best  Florence  or  salad 
oil. 

BETH  ROOT. 

Trillium  Rhumhoydum^ 

Grow  in  meadows  about  a  foot  high — the  leaves  oval, 
three  at  the  top  of  each  statk,  one  flower  of  a  purple  co- 
lour,  bell-shaped,  producing  a  small  berry,  that  contains 
the  seed — the  root  of  a  brown  colour  externally,  bulb- 
ous and  full  of  small  fibres. 

The  powder  of  the  root  in  doses  of  one  tea-spoonful 
three  or  four  times  a-day,  is  said  to  be  exceedingly  use- 
ful in  spitting  of  blood,  immoderate  discharge  of  the 
menses,  or  in  cases  of  discharging  bloody  urine.  It  is 
also  said  to  be  a  good  application,  in  the  form  of  poul- 
tice, to  putrid  ulcers,  and  to  obviate  gangrene  or  morti- 
fication. 


BIND  WEED.  See  Potatoe,  Wild. 
BITTER-SWEET.  See  Nightshade,  Woody. 


Materia  Medica. 


501 


BLACKBERRY,  OR  DEWBERRY. 
These,  though  different  in  name,  are  nearly,  if  not 
entirely,  the  same  in  nature.  They  both  bear  the  same 
kind  of  berry,  which,  when  ripe,  is  pleasant  and  whole- 
some. 

The  roots  of  these  vines,  but  especially  of  the  dew- 
berry, are  famous  as  astringents.  From  my  own  obser- 
vation in  practice,  two  handfuls  of  the  clear  roots  in  three 
pints  of  milk  or  water  boiled  to  a  quart,  and  given  in 
doses  of  a  tea-cupful  every  two  or  three  hours,  has  often 
cured  obstinate  diarrhoea  and  dysentery,  when  the  best 
medicines  of  the  shop  had  failed. 

BLACK  SNAKE  ROOT.  See  Virginia  Snake  root. 

BLAZING  STAR.  See  Devil's  Bit. 

BLOOD  ROOT. 

Sanguinaria  Canadensis^ 

Has  a  variety  of  names,  as  Red  Root,  Puccoon,  In- 
dian Paint,  Turmeric.  It  grows  about  a  foot  high  in 
rich  woodlands,  and  flowers  in  April.  The  leaves  are 
roundish  and  deeply  indented,  somewhat  like  the  white 
oak  leaves — stems  naked,  supporting  single  flowers; 
blossoms  white.  When  the  fresh  root,  which  is  about 
the  size  of  the  litde  finger,  and  blood  red,  is  broken,  a 
juice  issues  in  large  drops  resembling  blood. 

According  to  Dr.  Dovvnie,  the  root  in  powder  from 
twenty  to  thirty  grains,  is  strongly  emetic.  Professor 
Barton  considers  it  nearly  equal  to  the  seneca  or  rattle- 
snake root  in  cases  of  ulcerous  sore  throats,  croup  and 
hives,  aiid  other  similar  affections.  Professor  Dexter 
Celebrates  it  in  doses  of  one  grain  of  the  powdered  root, 
or  ten  drops  of  the  tincture,  every  two  or  three  hours, 
as  an  excellent  diaphoretic  in  colds,  pleurisies,  and  other 
inflammatory  complaints. 


502 


Materia  Medica, 


A  tincture  may  be  prepared  by  steeping  a  handful  of 
the  root  sliced  in  half  a  pint  of  spirits.  It  may  also  be 
exhibited  in  the  form  of  decoction,  a  handful  to  a  quart 
of  boiling  water,  and  a  table-spoonful  for  a  dose  every 
two  or  three  hours.  The  blood  root  is  considered  the 
chief  ingredient  of  the  quack  medicine  known  by  the 
name  of  Rawson's  biuers,  recommended  as  a  remedy 
for  the  jaundice.  The  juice  of  the  root  is  said  to  be  good 
for  destroying  warts. 

BLOODWORT  STRIPED. 

Lapathum  Sanguineum  Rubrum^ 

Grows  six  or  seven  inches  high,  on  the  sides  of  banks, 
and  in  upland  woods.  Out  of  the  top  of  the  stalk,  which 
is  small  and  bare  of  leaves,  grow  small  purple  flowers, 
which  turn  into  husks  thai  contain  the  seed.  The  leaves, 
three  or  four  in  number,  lie  flat  upon  the  ground,  are 
hairy,  and  full  of  red  winding  veins;  the  root  small,  tough 
and  fibrous. 

An  infusion  of  this  plant,  a  handful  to  a  quart  of  boil- 
ing water,  in  dose  of  a  tea-cupful  every  three  hours,  is 
said  to  be  useful  in  restraining  immoderate  flowing  of  the 
menses,  and  all  other  hemorrhages.  A  strong  decoction 
of  the  roots  with  half  the  quantity  of  sugar  or  honey, 
and  formed  into  a  syrup  in  dose  of  a  table-spoonful 
every  hour  or  two,  is  beneficial  in  consumptions  or  vio- 
lent  coughs.  The  expressed  juice,  in  dose  of  a  wine- 
glassful,  and  the  leaves  bruised,  and  frequently  applied 
to  the  wound  from  a  snake,  or  any  venomous  insect,  is 
said  to  eradicate  the  poison. 

BLUE  CARDINAL  FLOWERSu  See  Lobelia. 

BONESET.  See  Thoroughwort. 


BOWMAN'S  ROOT.  See  Indian  Physic. 


,  Materia  Medica.  503 

BOXWOOD.  See  Dogwood, 
BROOMRAPE,  VIRGINIA. 

Orobanche  Virginiana^ 

Grows  from  Canada  to  Georgia,  and  rises  six  or  eight 
inches  high,  of  a  brown  colour,  brittle  sprigs,  but  no 
leaves;  the  root  is  bulbous.  It  is  generally  found  under 
the  shade  of  the  American  beech  tree;  hence  it  is  some- 
times called  beech  drops,  but  more  generally  cancer 
root. 

Every  part  of  this  plant  is  considerably  astringent,  and 
along  with  the  astringency,  especially  in  the  recent  plant, 
there  is  combined  a  peculiar  and  extremely  nauseous  bit- 
terness. It  has  been  celebrated  as  a  remedy  in  dysen- 
tery, but  its  principal  reputation  is  in  cancerous  af- 
fections. It  is  supposed  this  formed  a  part  of  the  cele- 
brated cancer-powder  of  Dr.  Hugh  Martin,  whose 
success  in  the  management  of  many  cases  of  this  dreadful 
disease,  has  been  acknowledged  by  the  regular  practi- 
tioners of  Philadelphia. 

It  is  certain,  says  professor  Barton,  that  the  powder 
of  cancer  root  has  been  of  great  service  externally  ap- 
plit^d  to  obstinate  ulcers,  some  of  which  had  resisted  all 
the  ordinary  applications.  The  fresh  bruised  root  has 
also  been  applied  with  good  effects  to  cancerous  sores. 
In  the  form  of  decoction  it  has  been  found  useful  as  a 
wash  to  gallings  in  warm  weather,  or  excoriating  of  the 
skin.  It  is  also  esteemed  a  good  application  in  cases  of 
St.  Anthony's  fire. 

BUCK  THORN. 

Spina  Cervinoy 

Grows  in  hedges.  It  is  a  prickly  bush,  which  flowers 
in  June,  and  produces  in  the  fall  a  round  black  berry 
containing  four  seeds. 


504 


Materia  Medica. 


Equal  parts  of  the  expressed  juice  of  the  berries  and 
molasses,  or  half  the  quantity  of  sugar,  with  a  little  ca- 
limus  or  ginger,  formed  into  a  syrup  by  a  gentle  fire,  is 
said  to  be  a  good  purgative  medicine  in  doses  of  a  large 
wine-glassful,  and  is  much  used  in  the  cure  of  dropsies. 

BURDOCK. 

Arctium  Lappa^ 

Grows  on  the  road  side,  on  rubbish  and  ditch  banks, 
bearing  purplish  blossoms  in  July  and  August. 

The  juice  of  the  fresh  leaves,  or  an  infusion  or  decoc- 
tion of  the  roots,  operates  gently  on  the  bowels,  sweetens 
the  blood,  promotes  sweat  and  urine,  and  is  esteemed 
serviceable  in  scorbutic,  rheumatic,  and  venereal  disor- 
ders. The  juice  is  given  in  doses  of  a  wine-glassful,  and 
the  decoction  half  a  pint  three  times  a  day. 

BURNET  SAXIFRAGE. 

Phnpinella^ 

Grows  about  a  foot  high.  The  leaves  are  variously 
shaped;  flowers  in  September;  the  seeds  are  furred 
and  egg-shaped. 

The  root,  in  the  form  of  decoction,  a  handful  to  a 
quart  of  water,  is  esteemed  by  some  a  useful  medicine 
in  asthma,  coughs,  and  obstructions  of  the  menses,  in 
dose  of  a  wine-glassful  twice  or  thrice  a  day  sweetened. 

BUTTERFLY  WEED.  See  Pleurisy  Root. 
BUTTERNUT.  See  Walnut,  White. 

BUTTON  SNAKE  ROOT. 

"  The  button  snake  root  grows  in  South  Carolina 
and  Georgia,  in  poor  pine  land;  the  root  bulbous,  with 


Materia  MecUca, 


505 


nuinerous  fibres,  of  a  pungent  nitrous  taste;  the  leaves 
or  blades  long,  narrow,  pointed  and  saw-edged.  A 
stalk  shoots  up  in  autumn,  to  the  height  of  three  feet, 
bearing  globular  prickly  flowers,  of  an  ash  colour,  which, 
from  a  fancied  resemblance  to  buttons  of  an  old  fa- 
shion, gives  its  name. 

"  This  root  is  a  powerful  sudorific;  but  in  cases  of  gan- 
grene  and  foul  ulcers,  is  perhaps  superior  to  any  thing 
yet  discovered.  The  mode  of  applying  it,  is  in  the  form 
of  poultice  by  boiling  it  soft."* 

*  For  the  above  I  am  indebted  to  my  very  honest,  but  unfortimately  to'o 
credulous  friend,  Paul  Hamilton,  Esq.  formerly  secretary  of  the  navy,  whose 
zeal  and  success  in  explorinc;  the  virtues  of  our  indig-enous  ])lants  can  nevei 
be  sufhciently  applauded.  For  these  and  many  other  patriotic  virtues,  a 
kind  Providence  was  pleased  to  raise  him  up  a  son  as  disinterested  and  pubr 
lie  spirited  as  himself;  I  mean  that  extraordinary  youth,  lieutenant  Archibald 
Hamilton,  who,  in  defence  of  his  country,  went  forth  in  the  early  period  of 
life  to  meet  the  veteran  tai"s  of  Great  Britain. 

He  w  as  a  midshipman  on  board  th.e  United  States  frig-ate,  when  after  a  short 
action  she  captured  tlie  British  frig-ate  Macedonian.  His  activity  and  valour 
in  that  briUiant  affair  were  so  conspicuous,  thattlie  g-allant  Decatur  assig'ned 
to  him  the  honourable  and  pleasing  duty  of  bearing-  the  British  colours  to 
the  seat  of  government.  With  uncommonly  good  fortune  he  arrived  at  Wash- 
ington on  the  very  evening  that  the  president  and  his  lady,  with  the  heads 
of  departments,  at  a  splendid  ball  were  celebrating  this  glorious  victor^^  I 
had  the  pleasure  to  be  one  of  the  party;  and  never  shall  I  forget  the  looks 
of  his  venerable  father,  his  most  amiable  mother,  and  charming  sisters,  when 
this  blooming  young  warrior  was  ushered  into  the  crowded  ball  room,  with 
the  trophies  of  American  valour.  The  joy  manifested  on  this  occasion  was 
not  confined  to  his  relations  alone;  for  it  w\astobe  seen  in  the  countenance 
of  every  one  present,  but  more  especially  in  the  young  females,  who,  as 
was  very  natural  to  suppose,  from  his  unassuming  and  graceful  deportment, 
could  not  conceal  the  tender  emotions  of  their  hearts. 

To  the  lionour  of  the  president,  this  modest  and  amiable  youth  was 
soon  after  promoted  to  a  lieutenancy.  He  followed  the  fortunes  of  commo- 
dore Decatur,  when  he  shifted  his  llag  from  the  United  States  to  the  Pre- 
sident; and  was  with  this  intrepid  officer  when  in  that  single  frigate  he  en- 
deavoured to  fight  his  way  through  a  British  squadron.  In  this  most  unequal 
conflict  the  President  was  overpowered,  but  not  until  she  had  completely 
silenced  one  of  the  hostile  f.-igates.  By  the  last  shot  that  was  fired  from  the 
enemy,  the  gallant  young  Hamilton  was  killed. 

To  say  he  was  brave  to  the  height  of  tJiat  heroism  which  has  raised  the  In- 
fant navy  of  his  country  to  be  the  admiration  of  the  world,  is  to  sav  but  half 
his  praise.  The  far  nobler  j)ralse  was  ]»is,  of  having  rendered  himself  the 
idol  of  his  brother  oilkers,  and  his  numerous  relations  and  friends— to  all  of 
whom  he  has  bequeathed  the  inexpressible  pleasure  of  attachiug  to  his  me- 
mory everything  that  w&s  amiable  and  good. 

3  S 


506 


Materia  Medica. 


CALICO  TREE. 

Kalmta  Latifoliay 

Broad  leaved  laurel,  called  also  winter-green;  grows 
seven  or  eight  feet  high  in  swamps  and  moist  rocky  pas- 
tures; blossoms  ^re  white,  tinged  with  red  in  June  or 
July.  There  is  another  species,  Kalmia  Augustifolia^ 
narrow  leaved  or  dwarf  laurel,  called  also  ivy,  lambkill; 
blossoms  reddish,  variegated. 

A  decoction  of  the  plant  externally  applied,  has  often 
cured  the  itch;  but  like  all  other  poisons  it  should  be 
used  with  great  caution.  An  ointment,  made  by  sim- 
mering the  leaves  in  hog's  lard,  is  good  for  the  scald 
head  and  obstinate  sores.  According  to  Dr.  George  G. 
Thomas,  an  obstinate  diarrhoea  has  been  cured,  by  a 
decoction  made  from  an  ounce  of  the  leaves  in  half  a 
pint  of  water,  boiled  to  half,  and  thirty  drops  three  or 
four  times  a-day.  In  this  form  it  has  also  been  used 
internally  with  great  success  in  the  scald  head. 

CALIMUS,  OR  SWEET  FLAG. 

Acorus  CalimicSy 

Grows  in  marshy  situations,  and  in  shallow  water, 
and  may  be  known  by  the  long  sword- shaped  leaves,  re- 
sembling those  of  the  blue  and  yellow  flags,  but  narrow- 
er, and  of  a  brighter  green.  The  root  is  like  that  of  the 
blue  flag  in  appearance,  but  has  a  strong  aromatic  smell, 
and  a  warm  pungent  taste.  The  flavor  is  greatly  im- 
proved by  drying. 

The  root  possesses  stomachic  virtues,  and  is  frequent- 
1}'  grated  into  water,  and  given  to  children  for  flatulent 
colics,  free  of  fever.  It  is  sometimes  used  as  an  ingre- 
dient with  dogwood,  cherry  bark,  centatiry,  &c.  in  morn- 
ing bitters,  as  a  preventive  of  the  ague  in  low  marshy 
situations. 


CANCER  ROOT.  See  Broomrape  Virginia, 


Materia  Medina, 


507 


CANDLE-BERRY  MYRTLE.  See  Bayherry. 

CARAWAY. 

Carwn  Carui^ 

A.  choice  aromatic — grows  kindly  in  our  gardens. 
The  seeds  assist  digestion,  strengthen  the  stomach,  and 
are  serviceable  in  flatulent  colics.  The  dose  of  the 
seeds  in  powder,  from  one  to  two  tea-^oonfuls  to  adults. 

CARROT,  WILD. 

Daucus  Carota* 

The  wild  carrot  grows  two  or  three  feet  high  in  mea- 
dows and  swamps,  and  flowers  in  July.  The  seeds  have 
an  agreeable  aromatic  smell,  and  in  a  slight  degree, 
a  warm  pungent  taste. 

An  ounce  or  half  a  handful  of  the  seeds  infused  in  a 
pint  of  water,  and  taken  in  doses  of  a  tea-cupful  every 
hour  or  two,  is  said  to  give  immediate  relief  in  suppres- 
sion of  urine,  and  is  also  serviceable  in  promoting  the 
menses. 

The  roots  of  the  carrot  cultivated  in  our  gardens, 
beaten  to  a  pulp,  form  an  excellent  application  to  can- 
cerous and  other  ill-conditioned  ulcers,  allaying  the  pain, 
checking  the  suppuration,  and  foetid  smell,  and  soften- 
ing the  callous  edges.  A  marmalade  of  carrots,  on  ac- 
count of  their  strong  antiseptic  qualities,  has  been  suc- 
cessfully used  for  preventing  and  curing  the  sea  scurvy. 
An  infusion  of  these  roots  has  also  been  found  useful  in 
gravel  complaints. 

CASTOR  OIL. 

Ricinus  Communis^ 

Flourishes  well  among  us.  The  kernels  yield  al- 
most a  fourth  part  of  their  weight  in  oil,  which  is  ob- 


5.08 


Materia  Medic  a. 


tained  from  them  either  by  expression  or  decoction.  Ex- 
pression is  the  best  method  of  preparing;  but  the  com- 
mon mode  is  to  shell  the  seeds,  and  boil  them  in  water, 
and  as  the  oil  rises,  to  skim  it  olF..^ 

Castor  oil  is  a  gentle  and  useful  purgative,  and  is  a 
most  efficacious  remedy  for  the  colic  or  dry  belly- ach, 
and  also  dysenteries,  in  doses  of  a  wine-glassful  every 
two  or  three  hours  until  it  operates.  In  doses  of  a  tea- 
spoonful,  it  is  the  most  suitable  purge,  when  not  rancid, 
to  expel  the  meconium  from  new-born  infants. 

CAT-GUT,  OR  GOAT'S  RUE. 

Galega  Virgzniana. 

It  is  vulgarly  called  cat- gut,  from  the  resemblance  of 
some  of  its  roots  to  the  article  of  that  name. 

A  decoction  of  the  roots  is  reputed  to  be  an  excellent 
medicine  for  destroying  w^orms. 

CELANDINE,  THE  GREATER. 

Chelidonium^  Major ^ 

Grows  about  two  feet  high  in  meadows,  and  by  run- 
ning brooks,  has  many  stalks,  with  large?  joints  than 
is  common  in  other  plants,  very  easily  broken;  the 
leaves  large  and  saw-edged;  the  flowers,  consisting  of 
four  leaves,  are  yellow;  after  which  come  long  pods, 
enclosing  black  seeds;  the  roots  long,  reddish  exter- 
nally, and  yellow  within,  and  full  of  yellow  juice. 

Twenty  or  thirty  drops  of  the  juice,  or  half  a  tea- 
spoonful  of  the  dried  root  in  powder,  in  a  cup  of  new 
milk,  morning  and  night,  is  said  to  be  beneficial  in 
dropsy,  green  sickness,  and  cutaneous  eruptions.  The 
juice  rubbed  on  warts,  ring  and  tetter  worms,  effectually 
cures  them.  A  poultice  made  of  this  plant  boiled  in 
milk,  or  the  roots  roasted,  and  mashed  in  vinegar,  is 
extolled  by  some  as  an  excellent  application  to  disperse 
§crophulous  tumours  on  the  neck. 


Materia  Medic'a, 


5®9 


CENTAURY. 

Centaurhim  Minor, 

Is  a  fine  stomachic  bitter;  and  either  in  a  simple  infu- 
fusion,  or  united  with  calimus  or  angehca  root,  is  excel- 
lent in  relaxations  of  the  stomach  and  general  debility. 

CAMOMILE. 

Chmncemelwn^ 

Grows  well  in  our  gardens.  An  infusion,  or  tea,  made 
of  the  flowers,  is  excellent  to  warm  and  strengthen  the 
tl^e  stomach  in  cases  of  indigestion,  loss  of  appetite,  and 
and  other  complaints  arising  from  debility.  It  is  also  of 
great  use  in  doses  of  a  tea- cupful  three  times  a  day,  as  a 
preventive  to  the  ague  and  fever,  and  bilious  fever,  in 
sickly  situations.  In  the  form  of  fomentation  and  poultice 
it  is  serviceable  in  discussing  hard  tumours. 

'  CAMOMILE,  WILD.  See  Mayweed. 
CHERRY  TREE,  WILD. 

Prunus  Cerasus  Virginiana. 

The  bark  of  this  tree  is  an  excellent  substitute  for  the 
Peruvian  bark.  I  have  myself  frequently  employed  it  in 
the  cure  of  ague  and  fever,  biliousfever,  and  other  dis- 
eases where  tonic  medicines  were  proper.  In  intermit- 
tents  of  long  standing,  I  have  found  it  more  efficacious 
when  united  with  the  Virginia  snake  root,  in  the  propor- 
tion of  one  part  of  the  latter  to  four  of  the  former.  It  may 
be  employed  either  in  powder  or  decoction  in  the 
same  doses  as  the  Peruvian  bark.  A  strong  infusion 
of  it  in  sound  cider,  is  said  to  be  useful  in  the  jaun- 
dice. A  decoction  of  the  bark  will  be  found  a  good 
wash  to  ill-conditioned  ulcers.  The  cherry  of  the  tree 
when  ripe  in  autumn,  is  much  used  in  the  southern 


510 


Materia  Medica, 


states  for  making  bounce  and  cordial.  The  gum  of  the 
common  cherry  tree,  is  a  good  substitute  for  the  gum 
arabic. 

CHICK-WEED,  RED. 

Annagallis  Phenicea, 

Called  also  red  pimpernel,  guaclvhul.  Is  cultivated 
in  many  gardens,  and  grows  spontaneously  near  Balti- 
more and  Havre  de  Grace. 

According  to  the  deposition  of  Valentine  Kettiring  to 
the  legislature  of  Pennsylvania,  and  report  made  by  their 
committee,  the  red  chick-weed  is  a  specific  in  that  most 
dreadful  of  all  diseases,  the  hydrophobia,  or  bite  of  a 
mad  dog.  The  dose  for  an  adult  is  a  small  table-spoon- 
ful of  the  dried  leaves  in  powder.  For  beasts  the  dose  is 
much  larger. 

CINQUEFOIL. 

Potentilla  Reptatiss^ 

Grows  on  pasture  grounds,  and  is  something  similar 
to  strawberry.  The  stalks  trail  along  the  ground,  and' 
have  but  five  leaves  on  each  stalk,  placed  together,  of 
unequal  size,  and  bear  a  yellow  flower. 

The  whole  of  the  plant,  particularly  the  root,  in  the 
form  of  decoction,  a  handful  to  a  quart  of  water,  or 
milk,  boiled  slowljr,  and  sweetened  with  loaf  sugar,  is 
recommended  as  a  remedy  for  the  dysentery  and  bowel 
complaints.  The  dose  for  adults  is  a  tea-cupful  three 
or  four  times  a  day,  and  one  third  or  half  the  quantity  for 
children. 

CLEAVERS.  See  Goose  Grass. 


COAKUM.  See  Pokexveed. 


Materia  Medica, 


511 


COCK-UP-HAT,  OR  YAU  WEED. 

Stillingta^ 

Grows  on  the  high  dry  lands  of  the  southern  states, 
and  is  much  used  there  as  a  cathartic  medicine.  It  is 
employed  in  the  cure  of  that  hideous  disease,  the  yaws, 
and  is  said  to  be  a  specific  in  the  venereal  disease. 

COHUSH,  OR  PAPOOSE  ROOT. 

Caulophyllum  Thalictroides, 

Grows  about  two  feet  high,  in  low  moist  rich  grounds 
near  running  streams,  and  on  islands  that  have  been 
overflowed.  The  leaves  grow  on  small  stalks  near  the 
top  of  the  stem,  which  resembles  the  hand  and  fingers. 
The  flowers  are  of  a  pale  blue  colour,  which  yield  a 
berry  something  like  grapes.  The  root  is  composed  of 
many  fibres,  and  is  crooked,  resembling  the  rattle  snake 
root. 

An  infusion  of  the  root,  a  handful  to  a  quart  of  boil- 
ing water,  in  doses  of  a  tea-cupful  three  or  four  times  a 
day,  or  the  same  quantity  steeped  in  a  quart  of  spirits, 
in  doses  of  a  wine-glassful  twice  or  thrice  a-day,  is 
highly  extolled  by  the  country  people  as  a  remedy  for 
the  rheumatism,  and  serviceable  in  cases  of  obstruction 
of  the  menses  and  dropsical  complaints. 

COLT'S  FOOT. 

Tussilago  Farfara^ 

Grows  about  eight  inches  high,  in  moist  situations, 
producing  yellow  flowers  early  in  the  spring,  which  ap- 
pear before  the  leaves.  These  are  soon  succeeded  by 
large  roundish  leaves,  which  have  a  bitterish  mucilagi- 
nous taste. 

It  is  said  a  decoction  of  the  leaves  and  flowers,  two 
handfuls  to  a  quart  of  water,  with  or  without  milk; 


512 


Materia  Medica, 


taken  freely,  is  serviceable  in  coughs,  consumptions, 
diarrhoeas  and  dropsical  complaints.  The  leaves  powder- 
ed fine,  and  used  as  snufF,  removes  giddiness  and  ob- 
structions of  the  head. 

COLUMBO  AMERICAN. 

Cohimba  Americana^ 

Grows  plentifully  in  the  western  country,  in  the  vi- 
cinity of  the  Ohio  river,  and  from  abundant  experi- 
ments, is  found  fully  equal  to  the  imported.  Columbo 
root  has  long  been  esteemed  a  powerful  antiseptic  and 
tonic,  and  as  such,  has  been  employed  with  manifest 
advantage  in  gangrene,  cholera  morbus,  bilious  vomit- 
ing, or  purging,  bilious  fever,  indigestion,  want  of  ap- 
petite, &c.  It  may  be  given  in  powder  in  doses  of  a 
small  tea -spoonful  every  three  or  four  hours;  or  in  de- 
coction in  doses  of  a  tea-cupful.  Two  or  three  ounces 
of  the  root  steeped  in  a  quart  of  spirit,  form  an  excel- 
lent bitter,  which,  when  taken  in  mint- water,  or  infusion 
of  orange-peel,  in  doses  of  a  table-spoonful,  is  excellent 
fcr  moderating  the  retching  in  pregnant  women, 

COMFREY. 

Consolida^ 

Grows  about  two  feet  high  in  moist  situations  near 
springs,  but  is  cultivated  in  our  gardens.  The  leaves 
are  large,  similar  to  water  dock,  flowers  of  a  pale  blue 
colour;  the  roots  long,  rather  thicker  than  a  man's  fin- 
ger, mucilaginous,  and  black  externally,  but  white 
within. 

A  liandful  of  the  roots  boiled  in  milk,  and  given  in 
doses  of  a  tea-cupful  three  or  four  times  a-day,  is  a  po- 
pular remedy  in  dysentery,  bowel  complaints,  and  the 
fluor  albus  or  whites.  It  is  also  beneficial  as  a  diet  drink 
in  the  clap,  or  in  other  cases  attended  with  a  burning 
heat  in  making  water. 


Materia  Medica. 


513 


CORIANDER. 

Coriandrum^ 

i  Is  cultivated  in  our  gardens.  The  seeds  are  warm, 
and  of  a  pleasant  flavour,  and  in  doses  from  a  tea,  to  a 
table-spoonful,  have  been  found  useful  in  cases  of  indi- 
I  gestion,  and  flatulence.  When  mixed  with  senna,  they 
\  more  effectually  correct  the  odour  and  taste  of  the  infu- 
j  sion,  than  any  other  aromatic.  They  also  form  an  ex- 
I     cellent  addition  to  ingredients  for  bitters. 

COW  PARSNIP. 

Heracleum  Sphondylium^ 

Is  found  in  hedges,  meadows  and  pastures;  but  should 
be  carefully  distinguished  from  the  hemlock  or  wild 
parsnip  that  grows  in  hedges,  and  is  poisonous. 

According  to  Dr.  Orne  of  Salem,  it  has  been  often 
used  with  success  in  epilepsy,  especially  in  cases  of  in- 
digestion with  flatulence.  The  dose  is  three  drachms  of 
the  powdered  root,  taken  daily,  and  a  strong  infusion 
of  the  leaves  and  tops  drank  at  bed  time. 

CRANE'S  BILL. 

Geranium  31acidatum^ 

Improperly  called  by  some  crow  foot.  It  grows  five 
or  six  inches  high  in  meadows  and  woods;  has  long 
slender  stalks,  with  seven  long  narrow  leaves  at  a  joint? 
The  root  is  generally  crooktd  and  knotted,  blackibh  on 
the  outside  and  reddish;  has  a  rough  taste,  with  an  aro- 
matic flavour. 

When  applied  externally,  it  is  highly  extolled  for  its 
styptic  power,  in  stopping  hemorrhages  of  wounded 
vessels.  The  powdered  root  in  dose  of  a  tea-spoonful 
thrice  or  four  times  a-day,  or  a  decoction  in  milk,  used 
as  a  common  drink,  is  said  to  be  excellent  in  checking 

3  T 


514 


Materia  Medica, 


immoderate  menstrual  discharges,  also  the  whites  and 
gleets,  and  obstinate  diarrhoea. 

The  following  account  of  the  efficacy  of  crane's  bill, 
as  stated  by  Dr.  Mease  in  the  Medical  Museum,  de- 
serves the  attention  of  the  reader: 

The  son  of  Mr.  David  Cooper  near  Woodbury, 
partially  divided  the  artery  at  the  wrist  with  the  point 
of  a  hatchet  in  trimming  a  tree;  the  wound  bled  pro- 
fusely, and  an  aneurismatic  tumour  of  the  size  of  a  pul- 
let's egg  was  quickly  formed.  Dr.  Hendry,  who  was 
immediately  called,  applied  a  tourniquet,  and  also  a 
piece  of  flat  lead  to  the  tumour;  and  apprehending  that 
the  usual  operation  would  be  necessary,  requested  the 
assistance  of  Dr.  Wm.  Shippen  from  Philadelphia.  On 
the  arrival  of  that  gentleman,  the  operation  was  resolv- 
ed on;  when  the  father  of  the  young  man  insisted  upon 
the  trial  of  a  vegetable  remedy,  which  he  said  he  had 
learned  the  use  of  from  one  of  the  aborigines  of  our 
country.  He  immediately  repaired  to  the  .woods,  and 
returned  with  some  of  the  specific,  which  was  pounded 
in  a  mortar  with  a  little  cold  water,  and  applied  to  the 
part,  and  in  a  short  time,  to  the  great  satisfaction  of 
the  sufferer  and  his  friends,  checked  the  bleeding.  The 
tourniquet  was  left  on  as  a  precautionary  measure,  but 
fortunately  no  occasion  offered  for  using  it.  In  the 
course  of  a  few  days  the  wound  healed,  and  the  young 
man  had  no  further  trouble. 

A  man  in  pruning  a  tree,  divided  the  stout  muscles 
of  the  fore- arm  in  an  oblique  direction:  the  wound  was 
full  four  inches  in  length,  and  bled  profusely  from  a 
large  artery  and  numerous  smaller  vessels.  His  shirt 
sleeve  was  filled  with  blood;  for  being  made  tight  round 
his  wrist  and  fore-arm,  it  prevented  the  blood  from 
escaping,  and  forming  a  coagulum  round  the  bleeding 
orifice,  checked  for  a  short  time  a  further  effusion. 

The  powerful  effects  produced  by  the  geranium  in 
the  former  case,  induced  Dr.  Hendry  to  apply  it  in  the 
present;  accordingly  he  procured  some  of  the  roots, 
and  after  washing  and  pounding  them,  filled  the  wound 
therewith:  the  effect  upon  the  smaller  vessels  was  al- 
most instantaneous  in  checking  the  profusion  of  their 


Materia  Medica. 


515 


contents,  and  the  bleeding  in  a  short  time  entirely  ceas- 
ed; and  although,  as  in  the  former  case,  the  tourniquet 
was  very  properly  suflfered  to  remain,  yet  no  occasion 
offered  for  using  it. 

Another  case  occurred  of  a  wound  in  the  ancle  from  a 
scythe,  which  had  bled  so  profusely  as  to  cause  the  man 
to  faint;  but  on  the  application  of  the  geranium  by  Dr. 
Hendry  as  above,  it  ceased  in  a  short  time. 

In  the  instance  of  a  violent  vomiting  of  blood,  which 
had  resisted  a  variety  of  remedies,  an  infusion  of  the 
plant  in  water,  produced  the  desired  effect  in  a  few 
minutes. 

Another  instance  mentioned  to  me  by  Dr.  H.  of  the 
astringent  effects  of  the  geranium,  was  that  of  a  young 
man  who  had  a  most  obstinate  hemorrhage  from  the 
socket  of  a  jaw-tooth,  which  had  been  extracted.  An 
attempt  was  made  by  a  physician  from  Philadelphia  to 
close  the  bleeding  orifice  by  burning  it  with  a  red  hot 
needle,  but  without  effect;  on  the  application,  how- 
ever, of  the  geranium,  the  bleeding  soon  ceased.  In 
consequence  of  the  virtues  of  the  geranium  having  been 
so  often  experienced  about  Woodbury  in  cases  of  he- 
morrhage, the  inhabitants  have  been  induced  to  cultivate 
the  plant  in  their  gardens;  and  it  would  be  well  if 
their  example  were  followed  by  every  one  in  the  coun- 
try; for  though  Providence  has  diffused  the  valuable 
plant  over  every  part  of  our  country,  yet  as  it  grows 
principally  in  the  woods,  and  the  accident  it  is  intended 
to  relieve  may  admit  of  no  delay,  and  often  happens 
in  winter  when  the  plant  cannot  be  found,  it  should  be 
transferred  to  every  garden,  that  it  may  be  at  hand  when 
wanted. 

CROSSWORT.  See  Thoroughwort. 

CROW  FOOT. 

Ranunculus  Bulbosus* 

A  very  acrid  plant,  growing  in  meadows  and  fields. 
The  leaves  or  roots  bruised,  and  applied  to  any  part 


516 


Materia  Medica. 


of  the  body,  will  soon  raise  a  blister,  and  ought  to  be 
used  when  the  Spanish  flies  cannot  be  obtained.  The 
roots  colltcted  in  the  fall,  may  be  very  well  preserved 
through  the  winter,  by  burying  them  in  some  fine  dry 
sand. 

CUCKOLD.  See  Agrimony. 
CUCKOW  BREAD.  See  the  following. 

CUCKOW  PINT. 

Arum  Maculatum^ 

Also  called  lords  and  ladies,  wake  robbin,  dragon 
root.  The  leaves  are  generally  bespangled  with  black 
and  white  spots,  and  striped  in  gaudy  style;  whence 
the  country  people  have  given  it  the  name  of  lords 
and  ladies.  The  root  is  bulbous,  resembling  a  small 
turnip. 

Both  this  and  the  leaves  in  a  fresh  state,  are  extreme- 
ly acrid,  and  have  been  used  with  advantage  exter- 
nally for  blistering,  and  internally  in  cachexies,  rheu- 
matisms, and  all  other  complaints  of  cold  phlegmatic 
habits.  Of  the  fresh  root,  from  ten  to  thirty  grains  may 
be  taken  thrice  a  day,  in  the  form  of  emulsion,  with  gum 
arabic,  or  cherry-tree  gum.  The  root,  which  should  be 
used  fresh,  may  be  kept  so  for  a  year,  by  burying  it  in  a 
cellar  in  sand. 

CUCUMBER  ROOT. 

Medeola  Virginica. 

According  to  professor  Barton,  it  is  a  very  common 
plant.  The  root  is  while,  and  tastes  a  good  deal  like  the 
cucumber.  It  possesses  diuretic  properties,  and  has 
cured  dropsies. 


Materia  Medica. 


517 


CURE-ALL.  See  Averts. 
CURRANTS. 

The  white,  red,  and  black  currants,  all  grow  luxuri- 
antly in  our  gardens,  and  when  perfectly  ripe,  and  made 
with  sugar  and  water,  into  the  form  of  lemonade,  serve 
as  a  most  grateful  and  cooling  drink  in  fevers. 

An  infusion  of  the  bark,  sweetened  with  currant  jelly, 
or  honey,  is  an  excellent  gargle  in  sore  throat,  and  an  in- 
fusion of  the  young  shoots  is  said  to  be  beneficial  in  erup- 
tive fevers.  Currants  afford  an  excellent  wine,  for  making 
which,  the  following  is  an  admirable  recipe. 

Of  red  or  white  currants  ripe  take  fourteen  pounds, 
broke  into  three  gallons  of  water,  and  let  stand  for  two 
days,  when  the  stalks,  &c.  will  all  be  at  top.  Press 
oflP  all  the  stalks,  and  while  straining  the  mixture,  add 
twelve  pounds  of  sugar;  turn  it  into  a  cask,  and  keep 
it  full  enough  to  let  the  feculent  matter  work  out — re- 
peatedly removing  it,  and  filling  it  up,  until  no  more 
rises,  which  will  be  in  about  fourteen  days;  add  to  it 
one  quart  of  spirits  nearly  tasteless,  or  else  brandy, 
and  bung  up  close — keeping  it  at  least  six  months  be- 
fore it  is  bottled.  Let  the  currants  be  gathered  free 
from  dew  or  rain;  and  if  they  be  spread  a  day  or  two 
before  they  are  used,  they  will  be  none  the  worse. 
Fourteen  pounds  will  make  one  gallon  juice,  twelve 
pounds  of  sugar  another  gallon;  therefore  the  above 
ingredients  should  be  equal  to  five  gallons,  and  enough 
to  fill  up  with. 

CUSTARD  APPLE. 

•    Annona  Triloba^ 
Is  said  to  be  a  good  purgative  medicine. 


518  Materia  Medica, 

DANDELION. 

Leontodon  Teraxacu7ny 

Vulgarly  called  piss-a-beds;  grows  in  meadows,  pas- 
tures, and  road  sides  and  ditch-banks,  with  yellow  flow- 
ers, which  blow  from  April  to  September,  and  pos- 
sess the  remarkable  quality  of  expanding  early  in  the 
the  morning,  and  closing  in  the  evening. 

The  root,  leaves  and  stalk  contain  a  large  proportion 
of  bitter  milky  juice,  which,  in  doses  of  a  wine-glassful 
twice  or  thrice  a  day,  is  good  in  chronic  inflammations  of 
the  liver,  dropsies,  difficulty  of  making  water,  and  other 
complaints  arising  from  obstructions  of  the  viscera.  It 
may  also  be  taken  in  the  form  of  a  strong  decoction,  from 
a  gill  to  a  half  pint  twice  or  thrice  a  day. 

DEADLY  NIGHTSHADE.  See  Nightshade  Deadly. 
DEERBERRY.  See  Mountain  Tea, 

DEVIL'S  BIT. 

Veratrum  Luteum. 

The  root  of  this  plant  is  a  very  pungent  bitter,  and  is 
employed  as  a  tonic,  either  in  the  form  of  tincture  or 
infusion.  In  this  last  form  it  has  also  been  employed  as 
a  vermifuge. 

DEWBERRY.  See  Blackberry. 

DILL. 

Anethum  Graveolens^ 

Flourishes  in  our  gardens,  producing  seed  delight- 
fully aromatic,  which,  in  doses  of  one  or  two  tea -spoon- 
fuls, are  excellent  to  remove  flatulent  colics,  and  assist 
digestion. 


'Materia  Medica, 


519 


DOCK  WATER,  OR  WATER  DOCK. 

Rumex  Aquaticus, 

Grows  in  wet  ditches,  mill-ponds,  sides  of  rivers, 
and  in  shallow  water,  flowering  in  July  and  August. 

Half  a  pint  of  a  decoction  of  the  leaves  or  roots,  two 
handfuls  to  a  quart  of  boiling  water,  or  two  or  three 
tea-spoonfuls  of  the  dried  roots  in  powder,  taken  two 
or  three  times  a-day,  is  an  admirable  medicine  to 
sweeten  and  purify  the  blood  in  scurvy,  scald  head,  tet- 
ter worm,  and  other  cutaneous  diseases.  The  fre^h 
roots  bruised,  and  mixed  with  vinegar,  or  in  strong 
decoction,  is  a  good  cure  of  the  ring  worm,  and  has 
often  subdued  that  filthy  complaint  the  itch,  when 
quack  medicines,  and  even  sulphur  had  failed.  It  is  also 
well  worthy  trying  in  form  of  poultice  to  tumours  and 
cancerous  ulcers. 

The  curled  dock,  narrow  and  broad  leaved  dock^ 
which  grow  in  yards  and  cultivated  fields,  are  all  va- 
rieties of  this  useful  plant,  and  possess  similar  virtues- 
It  is  said  the  narrow  leaved  dock,  applied  in  the  form 
of  fomentation  and  poultice,  to  a  cancerous  sore,  and 
from  a  pint  to  a  quart  of  the  decoction  taken  daily,  made 
a  perfect  cure. 

DOGWOOD. 

Cornus  Florida, 

The  bark  of  this  famous  tree,  which  may  well  be 
termed  the  cinchona  or  Peruvian  bark  of  North  Ame- 
rica, possesses  like  that  all  those  tonic  powers,  which 
give  it  such  admirable  control  over  intermittents,  gan- 
grene, and  all  diseases  proceeding  from  debility. 

From  my  own  observation  in  practice  I  am  abun- 
dantly warranted  in  pronouncing  it  generally  preferable 
to  the  imported  bark,  which  is  often  injured  by  adulte- 
rations. Like  the  Peruvian  bark,  but  in  somev»'hat  lar- 
ger doses,  it  may  be  used  in  substance  or  decoction, 


520 


Materia  Medica. 


infusion  or  tincture,  either  alone  or  conjoined  with 
snake  root,  or  some  of  the  aromatics.  But  the  shape  in 
which  it  will  be  found  most  agreeable,  is  that  of  an  ex- 
tract,  which  is  easily  prepared  by  boiling  the  bark, 
straining  it,  and  then  evaporating  it  very  slowly  to  the 
consistence  of  honey.  To  prevent  the  fatal  effects  of 
burning  it,  the  vessel  in  which  it  is  evaporated  should 
be  of  the  wide  mouth  sort,  placed  in  a  large  pot  of 
boiling  water,  and  often  stirred  towards  the  close  of  the 
operation. 

The  dose  is  from  a  half  to  a  whole  tea-spoonful, 
thri2e  or  four  times  a-day.  The  beautiful  red  berries  of 
dogwood,  combined  with  lemon  peel,  snake  root,  cali- 
mus,  or  any  other  warm  aromatic  seeds,  form  a  fine 
bitter  against  the  common  fall  complaints. 

DRAGON'S  CLAW.  See  F^er  JRoat. 

DRAGON  ROOT.  See  Cuc/cow  Pint. 

ELDER  COMMON,  OR  BLACK, 

Sambucus  Niger ^ 

Grows  to  the  height  of  a  small  tree,  in  hedges,  and 
along  the  borders  of  meadows:  the  young  shoots  are 
full  of  pith,  and  the  old  stalks  empty;  flowers  in  July, 
and  the  berry  of  a  blackish  purple  colour  when  ripe. 

The  expressed  juice  of  elder  berries  put  into  a  plate, 
or  wide  mouth  vessel,  and  evaporated  in  the  sun 
to  the  state  of  an  extract,  in  doses  from  a  tea,  to  a 
table-spoonful,  acts  as  a  good  aperient  medicine.  A 
tea  made  of  the  leaves,  a  large  handful  to  a  quart  of 
boiling  water,  and  taken  freely,  removes  a  costive  habit, 
promotes  perspiration,  and  thus  proves  useful  in  erup- 
tions of  the  skin,  St.  Anthony's  fire,  colds,  dropsies, 
and  all  obstructions  of  the  viscera.  The  inner  green 
bark,  steeped  in  wine,  a  large  handful  to  a  pint,  or 
made  into  a  strong  decoction,  purges  gently,  in  doses 


• 


Materia  Medico. 


521 


of  a  gill.  The  flowers  stewed  with  lard,  form  a  good 
ointment  for  burns. 

Elder  berries  also  form  an  exx^ellent  wine,  according 
to  the  following  recipe:  Elder  wine  is  made  by  mix- 
ing twelve  gallons  and  a  half  of  ripe  elder  berry  juice, 
and  forty- two  pounds  of  sugar,  with  thirty- seven  gal- 
lons and  a  half  of  water,  that  previously  has  had  boiled 
in  it  six  ounces  of  ginger,  and  nine  ounces  of  pimento, 
bruised  and  strained  off;  and  when  it  has  nearly  cooled, 
rather  less  than  milk  warm,  add  a  pint  of  thin  brew- 
er's yeast,  and  let  it  ferment  for  fourteen  days,  in  the 
barrel,  then  bung  up  close,  and  bottle  in  six  months. 

ELECAMPANE. 

Inula  Helineuniy 

Grows  three  or  four  feet  high,  in  stony  pastures,  and 
by  the  road  side;  flowers  large  and  yellow,  in  July  and 
August;  and  the  root  when  dry,  has  an  agreeable  aro- 
matic smell,  and  in  a  decoction  sweetened  with  honey, 
or  in  the  form  of  syrup,  or  a  tea- spoonful  of  the  pow- 
dered  root  in  molasses,  is  recommended  for  promoting 
expectoration  in  asthma  and  coughs.  The  fresh  root, 
in  ointment,  or  strong  decoction^  is  said  to  cure  the 
itch. 

ELM,  AMERICAN,  OR  SLIPPERY. 

Ulmns  Ameriearua. 

My  very  learned  friend,  professor  Mitchell,  has  wit- 
nessed its  good  effects  internally  in  catarrhs,  pleurisies, 
and  quinsies;  and  externally  as  a  poultice  for  gun-shot 
wounds,  tumours,  and  all  ulcers  and  sores  accompanied 
with  irritation.  A  tea-spoonful  of  the  inner  bark  in 
powder,  to  a  quart  of  boiling  water,  or  a  simple  infu- 
sion of  the  bark  in  boiling  water,  forms  an  astonish- 
ingly rich  jelly,  which  I  have  often  tried  with  the  hap- 
piest effects,  ia  diarrhoea  and  dysentery.  With  the 

3U 


522 


Materia  Medica, 


addition  of  a  little  sugar,  lemon  juice,  citron,  or  nut- 
meg, it  might  be  made  an  excellent  substitute  for  sago 
or  arrow  root. 

I  am  indebted  for  this  improvement  to  the  reverend 
and  very  amiable  Dr.  Gant,  many  years  chaplain  to 
congress,  and  physician  to  Mr.  Jeftcrson.  This  learned 
gentleman,  universally  celebrated  for  his  successful  treat- 
ment of  dysentery,  declared  to  me,  with  great  candor, 
that  he  ascribed  much  of  his  reputation  in  that  danger- 
ous disease  to  this  fine  jelly. 

EMETIC  WEED,  OR  INDIAN  TOBACCO. 

Lobelia  Injiata^ 

Grows  in  dry  fields,  and  rises  to  the  height  of  one  or 
two  feet,  with  branched  stems,  flowering  in  July  and 
August,  with  blown  cups,  filled  with  numerous  small 
seeds.  The  blossoms  are  solitary  in  a  kind  of  spike, 
of  a  pale  blue  colour.  The  leaves  are  oblong,  and  have 
a  very  acrid  and  pungent  taste,  similar  to  that  of  tobac- 
co. 

The  leaves  collected  in  August,  while  the  plant  is  in 
blossom,  and  carefully  dried  and  preserved,  act  as  a 
speedy  and  excellent  emetic,  in  doses  from  ten  to  twen- 
ty grains;  or  it  may  be  exhibited  in  the  form  of  a  satu- 
rated tincture,  in  doses  from  a  tea  to  a  table-spoon- 
ful. 

As  it  is  a  medicine  of  considerable  activity,  it  should 
be  given  in  small  quantities,  and  the  dose  repeated  every 
ten  or  fifteen  minutes,  until  it  excites  vomiting.  From 
its  speedy  operation,  as  an  emetic,  there  is  no  doubt 
it  would  be  ^an  effectual  remedy  for  the  croup  and 
hooping  cough.  In  small  doses  it  must  be  of  great  uti- 
lity in  consumptive  and  other  coughs,  by  exciting  ex- 
pectoration. It  is,  however,  valued  on  account  of  its 
approaching  nearer  to  a  specific  in  that  most  distress- 
ing disease  the  asthma,  than  any  other  that  has  been 
yet  discovered. 

The  following  highly  interesting  observations  from 
the  Rev.  Dr.  M.  Cutler,  an  eminent  botanist,  who  first 


Materia  Meclica, 


523 


noticed  the  virtues  of  this  plant,  is  related  in  Dr. 
Thacher's  American  new  Dispensatory. 

"  By  chewing  a  small  portion  of  it,  commonly  not 
more  than  o?ie  of  the  capsules,  it  proves  a  gentle  emetic. 
If  the  quantity  be  a  little  increased,  it  operates  as  an 
emetic,  and  then  as  a  cathartic,  its  effects  being  much 
the  same  as  those  of  the  common  emetics  and  cathar- 
tics. 

"  It  has  been  my  misfortune  to  be  an  asthmatic  for 
about  ten  years.  I  have  made  trial  of  a  great  variety  of 
the  usual  remedies,  with  very  litde  benefit.  In  several 
paroxysms,  I  had  found  relief  more  frequently  than  from 
any  thing  else,  from  the  skunk  cabbage.  The  last  sum- 
mer I  had  the  severest  attack  I  ever  experienced.  It 
commenced  early  in  August,  and  continued  about 
eight  weeks.  Dr.  Drury,  of  Marblthead,  also  an  asth- 
matic, had  made  use  of  a  tincture  of  the  Indian  tobac- 
co, by  the  advice  of  a  friend,  in  a  severe  paroxysm 
early  in  the  spring.  It  gave  him  immediate  relief,  and 
he  has  been  entirely  free  from  the  complaint  from  that 
time.  I  had  a  tincture  made  of  the  fresh  plant,  and  took 
care  to  have  the  spirit  fully  saturated,  which  I  think  is 
important.  In  a  paroxysm,  which  was  perhaps  as  severe 
as  I  ever  experienced,  the  difficulty  of  breathing  was  ex- 
treme, and  after  it  had  continued  a  considerable  time, 
I  took  a  table- spoonful.  In  three  or  four  minutes  my 
breathing  was  as  free  as  it  ever  was,  but  I  ftrlt  no  nausea 
at  the  stomach.  In  ten  minutes  I  took  another  spoonful, 
v/hich  occasioned  sickness.  After  ten  minutes  I  took 
the  third,  which  produced  sensible  effects  upon  the 
coats  of  the  stomach,  with  moderate  puking,  and  a 
kind  of  prickly  sensation  through  the  whole  system, 
even  to  the  extremities  of  the  fingers  and  toes.  The 
urinary  passage  was  perceptibly  affected  with  a  smart- 
ing sensation  in  passing  urine,  which  was  probably 
provoked  by  stimulus  on  the  bladder.  But  all  these 
sensations  very  soon  subsided,  and  a  vigour  seemed  to 
be  restored  to  the  constitution,  which  I  had  not  ex- 
perienced for  years.  I  have  not  since  had  a  paroxysm, 
and  only  a  few  times  some  small  symptoms  of  asthma. 


524 


Materia  Medica\ 


Besides  the  violent  attacks,  I  had  scarcely  passed  a 
night  without  more  or  less  of  it,  and  often  so  as  not 
to  be  able  to  lie  in  bed.  Since  that  time,  I  have  enjoy- 
ed as  good  health  as  perhaps  belore  the  first  attack. 
Dr.  Cutler  states  a  particular  case  has  been  related  to 
him,  of  an  effectual  cure  of  the  hydrophobia,  or  bite  of 
a  mad  dog,  in  the  last  stage  of  the  disease,  by  this 
plant.  In  a  disease  so  formidable  as  this,  it  is  certainly 
worthy  of  trial." 

ERGOT,  OR  SPURRED  RYE. 

Secale  Cornutum, 

Rye  is  subject  to  a  disease  in  low  wet  situations,  or 
when  a  hot  summer  succeeds  a  rainy  spring.  The  spu- 
rious substance  called  ergot,  is  found  projecting  from 
among  the  leaves  of  the  spike  or  ear;  it  is  a  long  crook- 
ed excrescence,  resembling  the  spur  of  a  cock,  point- 
ed at  the  extremity,  of  a  dark  brown  colour  externally, 
and  white  within.  Some  spikes  are  occupied  wholly 
by  spurs,  while  others  have  two  or  three  only,  inter- 
spersed with  genuine  seeds  of  rye. 

This  extraordinary  substance  possesses  considerable 
medicinal  properties.  In  lingering  and  laborious  cases 
in  childbed,  it  acts  as  an  invaluable  medicine,  speedily 
inducing  forcible  pains,  and  expediting  delivery.  It  is 
given  in  the  form  of  powder,  in  doses  from  five  to  fifteen 
grains,  but  it  has  sometimes  been  found  more  active  in 
the  form  of  decoction,  prepared  by  gently  boiling  thirty 
grains  of  the  powder  in  half  a  pint  of  water,  of  which  ' 
one  third  may  be  taken  every  twenty  minutes,  until 
proper  pains  shall  have  commenced. 

It  is  proper,  however,  to  caution  the  domestic  prac-  ' 
titioner  against  employing  this  powerful  medicine  in 
cases  of  prasternatural  presentation,  or  even  in  every 
case  of  natural  presentation.  The  powerful  and  conti- 
nued efforts  of  the  uterus,  from  the  effects  of  the  ergot, 
prevent  the  retreat  of  the  child's  head  after  being 
advanced,  and  the  unceasing  pressure  in  some  in- 
stances, occasioned  the  death  of  the  child.  Let  this 


Materia  Medica, 


525 


circumstance,  therefore,  have  its  due  eflfect,  and  induce 
tlie  utmost  precaution  in  the  administration  of  this  pow- 
erful article. 

This  medicine  has  also  been  successfully  employed  in 
cases  of  obstructed  menses,  or  monthly  evacuations. 
See  Thacher's  Dispensatory. 


EVERGREEN  CASSINE.  See  South  Sea  Tea. 


FEATHERFEW,  OR  FEVERFEW. 

Matricaria  Vulgaris. 

It  is  frequently  cuhivated  in  gardens.  A  handful  of  the 
leaves  and  tops  infused  in  a  quart  of  water,  and  given  in 
doses  of  a  tea-cupful  three  or  four  times  a  day,  is  used 
bv  country  people  to  promote  the  menses,  to  strengthen 
the  stomachy  to  raise  the  spirits,  and  promote  perspira- 
tion in  colds  and  fevers. 

FENNEL,  SWEET. 

Fceniculim  Dulce^ 

Grows  kindly  in  our  gardens.  A  tea-spoonful  of  the 
seeds  with  a  little  sugar  and  spirits,  is  a  common  remedy 
among  the  country  people  in  flatulent  colic.  To  children 
afflicted  with  the  above  complaint,  an  infusion  of  the 
seeds  sweetened  is  highly  serviceable.  The  seeds  yield 
an  aromatic  oil,  which,  in  doses  from  two  to  twelve 
drops,  removes  flatulence,  promotes  expectoration,  and 
is  serviceable  in  coughs. 

FERN  FEMALE,  OR  BACKACH  BRAKE, 

Grows  near  ponds,  and  in  moist  pastures,  about 
twelve  inches  high.  The  leaves  are  single,  winged,  and 
about  a  hand's  length;  the  root  is  about  the  size  of  a 


526 


Materia  Medica. 


goose  quill,  of  a  brown  colour,  very  sweet,  and  of  a  mu- 
cilaginous taste. 

A  quart  of  a  strong  decoction  of  the  roots,  and  a  pint 
of  honey,  formed  into  a  syrup,  by  gentle  simmering,  and 
given  in  doses  of  a  table-spoonful  every  hour  or  two,  is 
esteemed  highly  beneficial  in  all  violent  coughs.  It  is  said 
that  three  parts  of  the  roots  of  this  plant,  and  one  part  of 
sumach  root,  boiled  slowly  in  any  kind  of  spirits,  until 
it  becomes  slimy,  and  then  applied  warm  to  the  spine, 
has  frequently  relieved  the  backach;  hence  the  vulgar 
name,  backach  brake.  It  has  also  been  employed  as  a 
remedy  for  the  rickets  in  children. 

FERN,  MALE. 

Polypodium. 

Called  also  sweet  fern,  male  polypody.  It  grows 
in  woods  and  stony  places,  flowering  from  June  to  Oc- 
tober. 

The  root,  when  chewed,  is  somewhat  mucilaginous 
and  sweet,  and  afterwards  astringent  and  bitter. 

Sweet  fern  in  powder,  in  doses  from  one  to  two  tea- 
spoonfuls,  or  a  decoction,  a  pint  a  day,  followed  on  the 
fifth  day  with  a  dose  of  castor  oil,  or  some  purgative 
medicine,  is  esteemed  a  powerful  medicine  against 
worms,  and  particularly  the  tape  worm. 

FEVER  BUSH,  OR  WILD  ALLSPICE. 

Dumus  Febrisj 

Grows  in  meadows  and  swamps,  and  generally  rises 
five  or  six  feet  high,  leaves  numerous  and  somewhat 
spearshaped;  the  blossoms  rather  of  a  reddish  colour;  the 
berries  are  blood  red,  and  of  a  pleasant  smell. 

A  handful  of  the  twigs  of  this  bush,  infused  in  a  quart 
of  boiling  water,  and  given  in  doses  of  a  tea- cupful  every 
hour  or  two,  is  said  to  be  extremely  cooling  and  bene- 
ficial in  fevers. 


Materia  Medica. 


527 


A  handful  or  two  of  the  berries  infused  in  a  quart  of 
spirits,  forms  a  pleasant  bitter. 

FEVER  ROOT,  OR  DRAGON'S  CLAW, 

Grows  upon  mountains,  and  the  sides  of  hills,  about 
six  or  seven  inches  high;  the  leaves  grow  in  a  cluster 
from  the  top  of  the  root,  spear-shaped,  blossoms  yellow; 
the  root  black,  about  the  size  of  cloves,  very  tender,  re- 
sembling the  claws  of  the  animal  whose  name  it  bears. 
When  it  is  pulverized  and  exposed  to  the  air,  it  will 
liquify. 

The  root  in  form  of  powder  in  doses  of  a  tea- spoon- 
ful, or  in  the  form  of  decoction,  a  handful  to  a  quart  of 
water,  in  doses  of  a  tea-cupful  every  hour,  is  esteemed 
an  excellent  medicine  in  bilious  fever,  pleurisy,  colds, 
St.  Anthony's  fire,  and  other  febrile  diseases. 

FIG  TREE. 
Ficus. 

This  tree  ought  more  generally  to  be  cultivated  in  our 
gardens,  as  it  affords  a  fruit  both  grateful  to  the  stomach, 
and  easy  of  digestion,  possessing  also  medicinal  pro- 
perties. 

A  decoction  of  figs  makes  an  excellent  gargle  for 
cleansing  the  throat  and  mouth;  and  the  fruit,  externally 
applied  to  tumors,  or  gum-biles,  is  good  to  promote 
suppuration.  When  unripe,  figs,  as  well  as  the  whole 
tree,  yield  an  acrid  milky  juice,  which  if  taken,  proves 
doth  emetic  and  purgative,  but  externally  is  a  mild  caus- 
tic— hence  is  frequently  used  to  remove  warts,  ring  and 
tetter  worms. 


528 


Materia  Medic'a. 


FLAG  BLUE,  OR  WATER  FLAG. 

Iris  Pseudacorusy 

Grows  by  the  brink  of  rivers,  in  swamps,  and  mea- 
dows, blossoming  in  July;  flowers  blue,  variegated  with 
white,  yellow  and  purple. 

The  juice,  in  doses  of  a  tea-spoonful,  diluted  with  wa- 
ter, is  said  to  be  an  active  cathartic  medicine,  and  to 
produce  copious  evacuations  from  the  bowels,  and  to  be 
useful  in  dropsy  and  dysentery.  It  produces  similar  ef- 
fects in  powder,  from  thirty  to  sixty  grains,  and  has 
been  employed  as  a  vermifuge.  In  the  form  of  decoction, 
used  as  a  diet  drink,  it  is  greatly  extolled  in  venereal 
cases. 

The  root  of  the  yellow  flag,  mixed  with  the  food  of 
hogs  that  have  been  bitten  by  a  mad  dog,  has  been  known 
to  save,  when  without  it  others  have  run  mad. 

FLAG,  SWEET.  See  Calimus. 

FLAXSEED. 

Unumy 

Possesses  great  medicinal  virtues.  An  infusion,  or  tea, 
is  the  most  suitable  drink  for  patients  labouring  under 
violent  colds,  coughs,  difiiculty  or  burning  in  making 
water.  The  flaxseed  syrup,  which  is  prepared  by  adding 
a  pint  of  honey  to  a  quart  of  strong  tea,  and  simmering 
it  away  slowly  by  a  gentle  fire  for  an  hour,  observing 
to  take  oflf  the  scum  as  it  rises,  I  have  found  to  be  a 
most  valuable  medicine  in  diseases  of  the  breast  and 
lungs,  in  doses  from  a  tea  to  a  table-spoonful,  every  hour 
of  two,  or  oftener  when  the  cough  is  troublesome.  The 
flaxseed,  bruised,  also  forms  one  of  the  best  emollient 
poultices  with  which  we  arc  acquainted. 


Materia  Medica, 


529 


FLEA  BANE,  PHILADELPHIA. 

Erigeron  Phtladelphicum* 

Called  by  some,  skerish.  It  is  said,  by  professor 
Barton,  to  be  a  very  common  plant  in  many  parts  of 
the  United  States,  and  that  in  the  form  of  infusion  or  de- 
coction, it  operates  powerfu41y  as  a  diuretic,  and  also 
as  a  sudorific.  It  is  likewise  reputed  to  be  a  good  re- 
medy for  promoting  the  menstrual  discharge. 

In  Virginia  there  is  a  plant  called  piss- wort,  which  is 
esteemed  a  powerful  medicine  in  cases  of  strangury  or 
difficulty  of  urine. 

FLOWER  DE  LUCE.  See  Flag  Blue. 
FLUX  ROOT.  See  Pleumy  Root. 

FOX-GLOVE. 

Digitalis  Purpurea^ 

Has  lately  been  cultivated  in  our  gardens.  It  rises  to 
the  height  of  two  or  more  feet,  and  its  leaves  are  large, 
egg-shjped,  notched  like  a  saw,  and  covered  with  hairs. 
Blos->oms  of  a  beautiful  purple  colour,  hanging  down- 
wards in  a  row  along  one  side,  which  are  compared 
with  the  fingers  of  a  glove,  and  in  the  inside  are  elegantly 
mottled  with  spots  like  little  eyes. 

The  fox-glove  has  been  employed  with  advantage  in 
those  disorders  where  the  frequency  of  the  pulse  re- 
quires to  be  abated.  In  the  incipient  stage  of  consump- 
tion, it  has,  by  'diminishing  the  circulation  through  the 
lungs,  frequently  succeeded  in  arresting  the  progress  of 
the  disease.  It  has  also  been  advantageously  employed 
in  the  second  stage,  but  here  it  should  be  exhibited  with 
the  greatest  precaution.  The  treatment  of  consumption 
with  fox-glove,  cannot  be  more  satisfactorily  shown,  than 

3X 


530 


Materia  Medica, 


in  the  following  practical  remarks  of  my  learned  friend, 
Dr.  John  Spence,  of  Dumfries,  Virginia,  communicated 
in  that  useful  work,  the  New- York  Medical  Reposi- 
tory: 

"  In  the  incipient  stage  of  consumption,  where  there 
is  considerable  vigour  of  constitution,  particularly  if  at- 
tended with  active  hemorrhage  from  the  lungs,  I  push 
the  use  of  the  digitalis  cautiously,  but  freely;  that  is,  I 
try  to  reduce  the  pulse  under  sixty  strokes  in  a  minute, 
and  maintain  this  depression  for  two  or  three  weeks, 
notwithstanding  there  be  occasionally  considerable  and 
distressing  nausea.  At  the  same  time,  I  advise  a  milk 
and  vegetable  diet,  with  gentle  exercise  on  horseback, 
or  in  a  carriage,  when  the  weather  will  admit,  and  the 
use  of  the  swing-chair  for  an  hour  at  a  time,  twice  or 
thrice  a- day.  When  the  pains  about  the  chest  are  wan- 
dering, I  also  advise  the  repeated  application  of  a  blis- 
ter, and  other  stimulating  plasters,  to  the  breast,  and 
between  the  shoulders;  but  if  the  pain  be  fixed,  I  pre- 
fer the  introduction  of  a  seton,  as  near  the  part  affected 
as  possible.  My  patient  is  also  directed  to  drink  mode- 
rately of  emollient  teas,  or  tar  water,  to  be  warmly 
clothed,  to  avoid  cold  and  wet  feet,  and  setting  up  late 
at  night.  All  great  exertions  of  the  body,  but  particu- 
larly of  the  lungs,  as  singing,  or  speaking  loud,  must 
also  be  carefully  avoided. 

'*  In  the  second,  or  more  advanced  stage  of  this  disease, 
accompanied  with  a  quick  pulse  and  great  general  de- 
bility, the  treatment  is  very  different.  The  fox-glove 
must  be  so  managed,  as  to  lower  the  pulse,  and  mode- 
rate the  fever;  but  never  pushed  to  such  an  extent,  as  to 
excite  nausea  or  sickness  at  the  stomach.  A  little  ex- 
perience will  soon  enable  a  judicious  and  attentive  prac- 
titioner to  ascertain  the  dose  adapted  to  his  patient's 
constitution;  and  as  soon  as  he  has  attained  this  know- 
ledge, he  must  be  persevering  in  the  use  of  the  medicine. 
At  this  period  of  the  disease,  the  patient's  strength  must 
never  be  suffered  to  languish.  He  must  be  supported 
by  nutritious  diet.  Agreeably  to  the  present  manners  of 
society,  two  or  three  meals  are  taken  in  the  course  of  the 
day;  but  this  mode  of  ea(ing  is  very  improper  with 


Materia  Medica, 


531 


delicate  constitutions,  more  food  being  generally  eaten 
at  such  stated  |)eriods,  than  is  necessary;  thereby  causing 
great  heat,  accelerating  the  pulse,  and  throvving  the 
whole  system  into  commotion.  The  diet  should  be  nou- 
rishing, and  of  easy  digestion,  such  as  jellies,  broths, 
eggs  boiled  soft,  oysters  raw  or  moderately  roasted;  in- 
deed a  bit  of  fowl,  beef,  mutton  or  venison,  dressed  rare, 
may  be  taken  in  small  quantities  every  two  or  three  hours 
throughout  the  day.  This  deviation  from  the  pre- 
sent fashion  of  eating  is  indispensable,  ample  nou- 
I  rishment  being  thereby  thrown  into  the  system  w^ithout 
I  exciting  irritation.  At  the  same  time  I  recommend 
solid  food  in  this  way,  I  forbid  the  use  of  spices,  wine, 
or  spirits.  The  same  directions  respecting  topical  ap- 
plications and  exercise,  are  equally  applicable  to  this,  as 
the  incipient  stage,  and  particularly  the  exercise  of 
swinging;  and  care  must  be  taken,  that  the  swing-chair 
be  so  constructed,  that  the  patient  may  be  perfectly  at 
ease,  without  being  afflicted  by  fatigue,  or  bodily  exer- 
tion." 

Many  other  respectable  physicians  beaf  testimony  in 
favour  of  this  medicine  in  consumptive  cases.  Dr.  Bed- 
does,  of  London,  considers  the  fox- glove  almost  as  in- 
fallible  a  remedy  in  consumption,  as  the  Peruvian  bark 
in  intermittents.  From  its  power  of  reducing  the  force 
of  the  circulation,  it  is  esteemed  likewise  a  valuable 
remedy  in  bleeding  of  the  nose,,  spitting  of  blood,  and 
excessive  discharge  of  the  menses,  and  also  in  palpita- 
tion of  the  heart  from  the  passions  of  the  mind  or  intem- 
perance. 

Dr.  Rand,  of  Boston,  has  experienced  the  most  de- 
cidedly good  effects  of  this  medicine  in  most  of  the  pre- 
ceding complaints.  In  one  instance  of  hasmoptoe,  or 
spitting  of  blood,  in  a  very  athletic  young  man,  where 
the  discharge  eluded  the  force  of  every  other  medicine, 
it  reduced  the  pulse  in  eight  hours,  from  one  hundred 
to  fifty  pulsations  in  a  minute,  and  stopped  the  hemor- 
rhage. He  has  also  given  the  medicine  with  complete 
success  in  cases  of  mental  derangement. 

Fox-glove  possesses  also  diuretic  power,  and  has 
long  been  employed  in  dropsy.  It  unquestionably  acts 


532 


Materia  Medica, 


powerfully  as  a  diuretic,  or  in  evacuating  the  water  in 
dropsy,  and  will  be  found  of  the  greatest  utility  in  every 
species  of  this  disease,  but  more  especially  the  dropsy 
of  the  breast,  when  there  exists  an  increased  action  in 
the  system. 

However,  from  the  respectable  authority  of  Dr.  Wi- 
thering, and  the  celebrated  Dr.  Darwin,  we  are  assured 
it  has  been  exhibited  with  the  most  happy  effects,  in 
cases  of  extreme  debility,  where  the  pulse  was  feeble, 
intermitting,  and  the  countenance  pale.  It  should  not 
be  given  in  such  doses  as  to  excite  much  sickness  or 
purge,  otherwise  it  will  not  produce  its  diuretic  effect. 
The  best  rule  for  its  administration,  is  to  commence 
with  the  smaller  doses,  twice  or  thrice  a  day,  and  gradu- 
ally increase  the  quantity  daily,  until  the  medicine  either 
acts  on  the  kidneys,  the  stomach,  or  the  bowels;  and 
on  the  first  appearance  of  any  of  these  effects,  it  is  to  be 
suspended. 

After  evacuating  the  water,  tonic  or  strengthening 
medicines  should  be  employed.  Dr.  Currie,  another 
physician  of  great  eminence  in  England,  has  employed 
this  medicine  with  signal  advantage  in  inflammation  of 
the  brain,  heart,  and  lungs,  and  found  it  also  an  excel- 
lent remedy  in  the  inflammatory  rheumatism.  The 
leaves  of  this  plant  are  the  part  in  use,  of  which  from 
one  to  three  grains  in  powder,  may  be  given  to  an  adult 
twice  or  thrice  a  day,  alone,  or  united  with  some  aro- 
matic, or  the  powder  may  be  formed  into  pills  with  soap, 
or  the  crumbs  of  bread,  or  it  may  be  given  in  the  form 
of  infusion,  by  infusing  a  drachm  of  the  dried  leaves  in 
half  a  pint  of  boiling  water,  for  four  hours,  adding  to  the 
strained  liquor  one  ounce  of  any  spirituous  water;  from 
one  to  two  table-spoonfuls  to  be  given  twice  or  thrice  a 
day,  as  a  medium  dose  for  an  adult.  Another  more  con- 
venient way  of  ascertaining  the  dose  of  fox-glove,  is  by 
making  a  saturated  tincture  of  it  in  proof  spirits,  which 
has  the  twofold  advantage  of  being  invariable  in  its 
original  strength,  and  of  keeping  a  long  time,  without 
losing  any  of  its  virtues.  Put  two  of  the  leaves  nicely 
dried,  and  coarsely  powdered,  into  half  a  pint  of  spirits; 
let  it  stand  by  the  fire  side  twenty-four  hours  or  longer, 


Materia  Medica. 


533 


frequently  shaking  the  bottle,  and  thus  making  a  saturat- 
ed  tincture  of  fox-glove,  which  must  be  poured  from 
the  sediment,  or  passed  through  filtering  paper.  F.  om 
twenty  to  sixty  drops  of  the  tincture  may  be  taken  in  a 
little  mint- water  or  tea  two  or  three  times  a  day.  This 
medicine  has  also  been  externally  applied  with  good  ef- 
fects.  An  infusion  of  it  is  recommended  as  a  good  wash 
for  painful  cutaneous  eruptions  or  ulcerations.  An  oint- 
ment, prepared  by  simmering  the  leaves  in  lard  or  fresh 
butter,  has  been  found  successful  in  scrophulous  ulcers 
and  scald  head. 

FRENCH  APPLE.  See  Thorn  Apple, 

FROSTWORT. 

Systis  Canadensis^ 

Grows  in  woods  about  two  feet  high;  leaves  small 
and  numerous,  of  a  whitish  colour  like  frost;  the  stalk 
purple;  flowers  of  a  pale  colour,  producing  a  small  pod 
with  very  small  seed. 

It  is  said  in  cases  of  scrophula,  or  king's  evil,  an  in- 
fusion of  the  leaves,  a  handful  to  a  quart  of  boiling  wa- 
ter, in  doses  of  a  tea-cupful  three  times  a  day,  and  the 
leaves  in  the  form  of  poultice,  applied  to  the  swelling 
twice  a  day,  has  performed  cures. 

FUMITORY. 

Fumaria  Officinalis^ 

Grows  in  corn-fields,  and  by  fences,  and  rises  a  foot 
high;  leaves  pale  green,  and  the  flowers  of  a  reddish  pur- 
ple. The  leaves  in  the  form  of  infusion,  a  handful  to  a 
quart  of  boiling  water,  and  taken  in  doses  of  a  tea-cupful 
thrice  a  day,  are  esteemed  a  good  medicine  in  scabby 
eruptions,  and  all  cutaneous  diseases,  particularly  if  the 
eruptions  are  washed  with  the  infusion. 


534 


Materia  Medica. 


GARGET.  See  Po/ce  Weed. 
GARLIC,  COMMON. 

Allium  Sativum^ 

Is  highly  stimulating,  and  therefore  useful  to  persons 
of  cold  phlegmatic  constitutions.  It  provokes  the  appe- 
tite, assists  digestion,  removes  flatulence,  promotes  ex- 
pectoration and  urine,  and  hence  has  long  been  used  in 
scurvy,  asthma,  and  dropsy. 

Where  it  cannot  be  taken  in  substance,  the  best  forms 
are  either  in  syrup  or  pills.  Externally  applied,  it 
blisters  the  skin.  A  poultice  or  cataplasm  of  equal 
parts  of  bruised  garlic  and  ciAjmbs  of  bread,  mixed  with 
sharp  vinegar,  applied  to  the  soles  of  the  feet,  in  the 
low  stage  of  acute  disorders,  or  nervous  fever,  is  good 
to  raise  the  pulse,  and  relieve  the  head.  Sydenham 
says  it  exceeds  all  other  applications  for  occasioning  a 
revulsion  from  the  head,  and  that  the  eflficacy  of  garlic 
thus  applied  every  night,  until  slight  inflammation  is 
produced,  is  superior  to  Spanish  flies.  It  is  an  excel- 
lent remedy  in  cases  of  croup  or  violent  sore  throats.  See 
Onions. 

It  will  also  be  found  a  good  application  to  the  pubes 
in  producing  a  discharge  of  urine,  when  its  retention 
has  arisen  from  want  of  due  action  of  the  bladder.  When 
made  into  an  ointment,  it  is  said  to  discuss  cold  and 
indolent  tumors,  and  has  been  esteemed  for  its  efficacy 
in  cutaneous  eruptions.  In  deafness,  a  small  clove  of 
the  root,  wrapped  in  gauze,  cotton,  or  wool,  moistened 
with  th^  juice,  and  introduced  into  the  ear,  has  frequent- 
ly proved  an  efficacious  remedy,  if  repeated  twice;,  or 
thrice  a  day. 

GENTIAN. 

Gentiantty 

Grows  on  the  sides  of  roads,  and  in  waste  pastures, 
two  or  three  feet  high.  The  stem  is  strong,  smooth, 


Materia  Materia.  535 

anil  erect;  the  lAves,  which  rise  from  the  lower  part 
of  the  stem,  are  spear-shaped,  large,  ribbed  and  rough; 
flowers  yellow,  in  whorls^  terminating  in  yellow  bitter 
berries. 

Its  virtues  are  equal  to  the  imported.  It  has  long  oc- 
cupied the  first  place  in  all  recipes  for  bitters,  whether 
used  to  provoke  the  appetite,  or  give  tone  to  the  system. 
It  may  also  be  taken  in  the  form  of  infusion,  a  small 
handful  of  the  root  to  a  quart  of  boiling  water,  in  doses 
of  a  tea-cupful  three  or  four  times  a-day. 

GINSENG. 

Panax  ^inquefolium. 

Grows  in  abundance  on  the  sides  of  mountains,  arid 
in  rich  soils.  My  friend,  Dr.  Thornton,  has  some  plants 
growing  on  his  farm  near  Washington,  which  he  obtain- 
ed at  Monticello;  he  says  it  is  easily  cultivated.  It  flow- 
ers in  July,  and  has  black  berries;  the  root  has  an 
agreeable  sweetish  taste,  and  is  much  esteemed  by  the 
Indians;  it  is  also  an  article  of  exportation. 

The  leaves  or  root  in  the  form  of  infusion,  are  con-^ 
sidered  useful  in  cases  of  debility,  and  gravel  com- 
plaints. The  root  chewed,  or  steeped  in  wine  or  spirits, 
and  taken  in  doses  of  a  wine-glassful  twice  a-day,  acts 
as  a  cordial,  and  invigorates  the  system. 

GOAT'S  RUE,  VIRGINIA.  See  Cat  Gut. 

GOLDEN  ROD,  OR  THREAD.  See  Mouth  Boot. 

GOOSE  GRASS. 

Galium  Aparine^ 

Called  by  some  Poor  Robin's  plantain,  from  its  effi- 
cacy in  curing  the  gravel. 

Grows  in  hedges,  low  grounds,  and  near  brooks,  to 
the  height  of  five  or  six  feet,  ciinibing  on  the  bushes 


536  Materia  Medica. 

near  it.  The  tipper  side  of  the  leaves  is  white,  with 
sharp  prickles;  the  flowers  small,  and  divided  into  four 
segments;  these  change  into  a  fruit  rather  large,  com. 
posed  of  two  berries  slightly  adhering  together,  and 
covered  with  hooked  prickles,  containing  two  seeds. 

The  leaves  in  the  form  of  decoction,  a  handful  to  a 
quart  of  water,  are  highly  celebrated  as  a  remedy  in 
gravel  complaints,  and  suppression  of  urine,  in  doses  of 
a  tea-cupful  every  hour  or  two,  until  relieved.  It  has 
^Iso  been  recommended  in  the  cure  of  scurvy,  spitting 
of  blood,  and  epilepsy  or  fits. 

GROUND  HOLLY. 

Pyrolla  Umbellata* 

It  is  sometimes  called  Pippsisseva,  which  is  its  Indian 
appellation.  It  possesses,  in  an  eminent  degree,  the 
same  properties  as  Bear's  Whortleberry,  which  see. 

GROUND  PINE. 

Arthetica, 

Grows  plentifully  in  stony  lands,  about  six  inches 
high,  sending  forth  many  small  branches,  with  small 
narrow  grayish  leaves,  somewhat  hairy;  flowers  of  a 
pale  colour,  growing  from  the  joint  of  the  stalk,  among 
the  leaves,  after  which  come  small  round  husks. 

A  large  handful  of  the  leaves  and  flowers  steeped  in 
a  pint  of  wine,  and  taken  in  doses  of  a  wine-glassful 
twice  or  thrice  a-day,  is  said  to  be  beneficial  in  rheu- 
matism and  uterine  obstructions. 

GROUND  PINK. 

Silene  Virginica^ 
Called  also  catch-fly.  A  decoction  of  the  roots  is 
said  to  have  been  found  a  very  efficacious  remedy  for 
worms. 


Materia  Medica. 


537 


GUINEA  PEPPER.  See  Pepper,  Red. 

HART'S  TONGUE, 

Grows  among  rocks  and  shady  places;  the  leaves  are 
of  a  shining  black  colour,  long,  pointed,  and  tongue- 
shaped. 

This  herb,  in  the  form  of  infusion,  a  handful  to  a 
quart  of  boiling  water,  in  doses  of  a  tea-cupful  two  or 
three  times  a-day,  is  said  to  be  a  good  remedy  in  diar- 
rhoea and  dysentery;  and  in  the  form  of  ointment,  pre- 
pared by  simmering  a  handful  of  the  leaves  in  half  a 
pint  or  more  of  lard,  is  a  good  application  to  scalds  and 
burns. 


HEART'S  EASE,  OR  HERB  TRINITY. 

Vio^a  Tricolor, 

Grows  generally  in  corn  fields,  producing  white  and 
yellow  blossoms,  intermixed  with  purple,  which  flower 
from  May  to  September. 

A  decoction  of  a  handful  of  the  fresh  leaves,  or  half 
the  quantity  of  the  dried,  in  a  pint  of  milk,  used  daily 
for  some  weeks,  is  said  to  be  a  certain  remedy  for  that 
disorder  in  children,  called  milk  scab,  or  that  species  of 
scald  head  which  affects  the  faces  of  children. 

HEART  SNAKE  ROOT. 

This,  according  to  my  ever-esteemed  and  honourable 
friend,  Paul  Hamilton,  Esq.  flourishes  in  Carolina  and 
Georgia,  in  rich  high  lands,  never  exceeding  the  height 
of  six  inches.  The  root  is  of  a  very  aromatic  taste,  and 
the  smell  somewhat  resembling  the  sassafras.  The  leaf 
shaped  like  a  heart,  dark  green,  and  very  glossy  on  the 
upper  surface.  The  juice  of  the  root  and  leaf  pounded 

3  Y 


5S8 


Materia  Medica, 


together,  in  dose  of  a  table- spoonful  for  an  adult,  is  an 
active  and  safe  emetic;  and  a  decoction  in  as  large  quan- 
tities, and  as  frequent  as  the  stomach  will  bear,  is  of  ex- 
cellent service  in  the  jail,  camp,  and  nervous  fever. 

HELEBORE,  WHITE. 

Veratrtun  Alburn^ 

Grows  in  wet  meadows  and  swampy  places.  The 
stalk  is  thick,  strong,  hairy,  upright,  and  usually  rises 
from  two  to  four  feet.  The  leaves  are  large,  oval,  rib- 
bed, plated,  of  a  yellowish  colour,  and  surround  the  stem 
at  its  base.  The  flowers  are  of  a  greenish  colour,  and 
appear  from  June  to  August,  followed  each  by  three  flat 
pods,  containing  whitish  triangular  seed.  The  root  is 
short,  commonly  near  an  inch  thick,  with  numerous 
fibres  hanging  from  it,  of  a  brown  colour  externally;  it 
has,  when  fresh,  a  nauseous  bitter  taste,  burning  the 
mouth  and  fauces;  snuffed  up  the  nostrils  in  very 
small  quantities,  it  excites  most  violent  sneezing. 

Every  part  of  this  plant  is  extremely  acrid  and  poi- 
sonous. By  the  hand  of  skill,  it  has  been  employed  in- 
ternally with  beneficial  effects  in  several  obstinate  dis- 
eases, as  those  of  the  melancholic  and  maniacal  kind, 
and  epilepsy,  king's  evil,  herpetic,  and  other  cutaneous 
affections.  In  those  complaints  the  bark  of  the  root, 
collected  in  the  spring,  has  been  given  in  the  form  of 
powder,  beginning  with  half  a  grain  at  a  dose,  and  gra- 
dually increasing  the  quantity  daily  according  to  its  ef- 
fects. 

The  American  species,  says  Dr.  Thatcher,  very  pro- 
bably possesses  all  the  properties  of  the  foreign  officinal 
root.  It  is  undoubtedly  a  plant  of  highly  active  powers, 
meriting  a  particular  investigation  as  an  article  of  our 
Materia  Medica.  In  fact,  a  new  interest  has  lately  been 
excited  both  in  Europe  and  the  United  States,  relative 
to  the  properties  of  white  helebore.  It  is  even  supposed 
to  be  the  basis  of  the  French  specific  remedy,  called  Eau 
Medicinale  d'Husson,  so  highly  famed  for  its  almost 
infallible  powers  in  the  cure  of  the  gout,  as  to  com- 


Materia  Medica, 


539 


mand  the  enormous  price  of  from  one  to  two  crowns  a 
dose.  This  remcdj  was  discovered  about  forty  years 
ago  by  Mr.  Husson,  a  French  officer,  who  affirms  it  to 
be  prepared  from  a  plant  whose  virtues  were  before 
unknown  in  medicine;  and  it  has  long  been  celebrated 
in  France,  and  other  parts  of  the  European  continent. 

The  importance  and  popularity  of  the  subject  were 
incitements  to  various  attempts  for  that  purpose,  and  to 
the  ingenuity  of  Mr.  I.  Mooffe,  member  of  the  royal  col- 
lege of  surgeons,  London,  the  public  are  indebted  for  a 
composition,  which,  if  not  identically  the  same,  bears  a 
strong  resemblance  to  the  Eau  Medicinale,  in  smell, 
taste,  and  dose:  and  also  in  all  its  effiscts,  as  far  as  it  has 
been  tried  in  the  cure  of  gout.  The  composition  of 
Mr.  Moore  consists  of  wine  of  opium  Sydenham,  one 
part,  wine  of  white  helebore,  three  parts,  made  by  infu- 
fusing  for  ten  days  eight  ounces  of  the  sliced  root  of 
that  plant,  in  two  and  a  half  pints  of  white  wine,  and 
strained  through  paper.  This  compound  when  exhibit- 
ed in  doses  from  one  to  two  drachms,  has,  in  a  variety 
of  instances,  effected  a  speedy  cure  of  gouty  parox- 
ysms. There  are,  indeed,  well  attested  facts,  where 
the  most  painful  gouty  affections  have  yielded  to  a  sin- 
gle dose  of  about  one  drachm;  and  the  instances  of  its 
failure  have  hitherto,  it  is  believed,  been  more  rare 
than  can  be  said  of  any  other  remedy.  The  employ- 
ment of  the  composition  of  Mr.  Moore,  has  also,  in  the 
hands  of  respectable  physicians,  been  extended  to  acute 
rheumatism,  and  to  some  comatose  affections,  with  the 
most  decided  advantage;  and  a  perseverance  in  similar 
trials  is  strongly  recommended.  Its  operation  may  be 
promoted  by  some  aromatic,  or  by  peppermint,  penny- 
royal, or  ginger  tea.  It  in  general  occasions  some  nau- 
sea and  vomiting,  followed  by  bilious  stools.  Exter- 
nally applied  in  the  form  of  ointment  or  decoction,  it 
cures  the  itch,  and  other  cutaneous  affections.  An  oint- 
ment is  prepared  by  simmering  the  root  slowly  in  hog's 
lard.  The  decoction  is  made  by  boiling  two  ounces  or 
a  handful  of  the  root  bruised,  in  a  quart  of  water,  to  a 
pint  and  a  half,  and  then  strained.  The  addition  of  a 


540 


Materia  Mcdiea. 


few  ounces  of  lavender,  rose,  or  lemon  water,  may  be 
made,  if  convenient.  With  this  the  parts  affected  should 
be  washed  twice  or  thrice  a-day. 

HEMLOCK. 

Cpnium  Maculatum^ 

Grows  to  the  height  of  six  or  seven  feet  in  rich  lands, 
near  ditches,  and  in  moi9#shady  places.  It  is  an  um- 
belUferous  plant,  with  large  leaves,  of  a  dark  green  colour 
on  the  upper  side,  and  a  whitish  green  underneath; 
they  much  resemble  parsley,  especially  the  leaves  of 
the  smaller  sorts,  whose  poisonous  quality  is  the  most 
violent.  The  stalk  is  round,  smooth,  hollow,  and  mark- 
ed with  brown  or  red  spots;  the  flowers  are  white;  the 
seeds  greenish;  flat  on  one  side,  very  convex,  and  mark- 
ed with  five  furrows  on  the  other.  The  root  is  long, 
yellowish  without,  white  and  fungous  within,  and  some- 
what resembling  a  carrot;  it  changes  its  form  according 
to  the  season;  the  leaves  have  a  rank  smell,  resembling 
the  urine  of  a  cat,  but  do  not  much  affect  the  taste. 

This  poisonous  plant  possesses  great  medicinal  vir- 
tue when  judiciously  employed.  It  has  been  used  with 
considerable  advantage  in  painful  cancerous  ulcers,  ve- 
nereal ulcerations,  cutaneous  affections,  gleets,  painful 
discharges  from  the  vagina,  and  in  a  variety  of  cases  of 
scrophulous  affections.  It  has  also  been  of  great  effi- 
cacy in  epilepsy,  chronic  rheumatism,  and  jaundice. 
Externally  applied,  it  has  been  useful  in  discussing 
scirrhous  tumours,  particularly  those  of  a  scrophulous 
nature. 

The  proper  method  of  administering  hemlock  in- 
wardly, is  to  begin  with  a  grain  or  two  of  the  powder 
of  the  leaves,  or  the  inspissated  juice,  and  gradually  to 
increase  the  dose,  until  the  head  is  affected  with  slight 
giddiness,  or  it  occasions  some  sickness  and  trembling 
agitations  of  the  body,  or  produces  one  or  two  evacua- 
tions the  morning  after  the  dose.  One  or  more  of  these 
symptoms  are  the  evidences  of  a  full  dose,  and  here 
continue  until  none  of  these  effects  are  observed;  and 


Materia  Medica, 


541 


then,  after  a  few  days,  increase  the  dose;  for  little  ad- 
vantage can  be  expected,  but  by  a  continuance  of  full 
doses. 

The  dried  leaves  arc  less  liable  to  injury  from  keep- 
ing than  the  inspissated  juice.  The  leaves  should  be 
collected  in  June,  when  the  plant  is  in  flower,  and  its 
particular  smell  strong.  The  drying  of  the  leaves  should 
be  performed  quickly  before  a  fue,  on  tin  plates.  The 
proof  of  the  drying  having  been  well  performed,  is  the 
powder's  retaining  the  odour  of  the  leaves,  and  the  deep- 
ness and  freshness  of  the  colour.  It  should  be  kept  in  close 
vials,  and  secluded  from  the  light. 

HENBANE,  BLACK. 

Hifosciamus  Niger j 

Grows  at  the  sides  of  fences,  about  old  ruins,  and  on 
dung-hills,  and  with  the  dung  is  sometimes  carried  into 
gardens,  where  from  fts  similitude  to  parsnips,  it  is  mis- 
taken for  them;  and  when  eaten,  produces  stupor,  and 
apoplectic  symptoms  terminating  in  death.  It  rises  from 
one  to  two  feet  in  height;  the  stalks  are  thick,  woody, 
irregularly  branched,  and  covered  with  a  hairy  down; 
the  leaves  surrounding  the  stalk  at  their  base,  stand  ir- 
regularly; they  are  large,  soft,  and  downy,  pointed  at 
the  ends,  and  very  deeply  indented  at  the  edges;  their 
colour  is  a  grayish  green,  and  they  have  a  disagreeable 
smell:  the  flowers  are  large,  egg-shaped,  and  of  a  dirty 
yellowish  colour,  with  purple  streaks.  The  root  is  long, 
tough,  white,  and  when  recently  cut  through  smells  like 
liquorice. 

According  to  Dr.  Stork,  the  juice  of  this  poisonous 
plant  inspissated,  and  exhibited  in  doses  from  one  grain 
to  twenty,  every  twenty-four  hours,  has  relieved  many 
from  palpitation  of  the  heart,  a  tendency  to  melancholy, 
coughs,  and  other  spasmodic  disorders  and  convulsions, 
and  this  after  other  means  had  failed. 


HERB  BENNET.  Avens. 


542 


Materia  Medica, 


HERB  TRINITY.   Set  Heart's  Ease. 
HOGBED,  OR  HOGWEED. 

Ambrosia^ 

Grows  near  farm  yards,  and  on  stony  soils,  like  moss, 
about  three  inches  high.  The  leaves  are  of  a  deep  green 
colour,  small  and  curly.  The  hogs  delight  to  make  their 
bed  on  it,  from  whence  it  derives  its  name. 

A  handful  of  this  plant  infused  in  a  quart  of  water, 
and  given  in  doses  of  a  tea-cupful  three  or  four  times  a 
day,  is  a  popular  remedy  among  women  to  promote  the 
menses  or  courses. 

HOLY  THISTLE.   See  Thistle  Holy. 

HOODED  WIDOW  HERB. 

Scutellaria  Lateraflora^ 

Is  found  in  abundance  on  the  banks  of  rivers,  and 
the  borders  of  ponds,  flowering  ^n  July  and  August. 
The  stem  is  square,  branched,  and  attains  the  height  of 
from  one  to  three  feet.  The  leaves  opposite,  narrow- 
pointed,  on  long  foot  stalks;  the  blossoms  small,  of  a 
violet  colour,  intermixed  with  small  leaves. 

Dr.  Thatcher  has  introduced  this  plant  in  his  Ameri- 
can Dispensatory,  on  account  of  its  recently  reputed  effi- 
cacy as  an  antidote  to  canine  madness.  It  is  directed 
to  be  given  in  the  form  of  a  strong  infusion  of  the  leaves 
every  morning  fasting,  and  to  be  continued  for  several 
weeks.  For  cattle,  it  may  be  mixed  with  their  food  or 
drink. 

HOPS. 

Humuli^ 

Are  an  agreeable  strong  bitter,  principally  used  in 
making  malt  liquors.  They  also  induce  sleep;  hence 
the  popular  remedy  of  a  pillow  of  hops  to  procure  sleep 


Materia  Medica. 


545 


in  the  delirium  of  fever,  and  insanity,  which  not  unfre- 
quently  succeeds.  They  give  out  their  virtues  to  spirits 
or  water. 

In  the  form  of  fomentation  and  poultice,  hops  serve 
as  a  most  valuable  application  to  ill-conditioned  ulcers, 
or  painful  cancerous  sores.  ^ 

Mr.  Stephen  Hammock,  assistant  surgeon  to  the  royal 
hospital  at  Plymouth,  gives  the  following  account  of  the 
benefit  obtained  from  the  external  use  of  hops.  I  have 
seen,  (says  Mr.  H.)  very  good  effects  from  hops  in  poul- 
tices and  fomentations  applied  to  ulcers  of  the  worst 
kind,  in  more  than  sixty  patients  received  into  the  hos- 
pital from  ships  of  war.  Some  of  the  ulcers  proceeded 
from  scurvy,  and  some  from  other  causes.  But  though 
all  of  them  have  been  sordid,  fcEtid,  and  extensive,  yet 
the  foetor  has  soon  been  corrected  by  these  applications, 
and  the  ulcers  have  ceased  to  spread. 

A  large  handful  of  hops  is  to  be  well  boiled  with  a 
quart  of  water,  to  which  should  be  added  meal,  or  bran, 
forming  a  poultice,  applied  to  the  ulcer,  without  any 
intervening  lint.  But,  previous  to  this  application  of  the 
poultice,  the  ulcers  are  directed  to  be  well  fomented 
with  the  decoction.  The  pain  proceeding  from  the  ul- 
cers is  soon  alleviated,  and  the  ulcers  soon  cease  to 
spread.  They  become  clean,  and  in  a  state  to  be  dress- 
ed with  lint,  or  any  soft  ointment.  See  Duncan's  Annah 
of  Medicine,  also  Medical  Repository, 

Hops  form  the  bases  of  beer  and  yeasts,  of  which  the 
following  are  the  most  simple,  and  among  the  most  ap- 
proved. 

Beer,  Take  fifteen  gallons  of  water,  and  boil  one 
half  of  it,  or  as  much  as  can  conveniently  be  managed; 
put  the  part  of  the  water  thus  boiled,  while  it  is  yet  of 
its  full  heat,  to  the  cold  part,  contained  in  a  barrel  or 
cask,  and  then  add  one  gallon  of  molasses,  commonly 
called  treacle,  stirring  them  well  together;  add  a  little 
yeast,  if  the  vessel  be  new%  but  if  it  has  been  used  for 
the  same  purpose,  the  yeast  is  uruiecessary.  Keep  the 
bung-hole  open,  till  the  fermentation  appears  to  be  aba- 
ted, and  then  close  it  up.  The  beer  will  in  a  day  or  two 


544 


Materia  Medica, 


afterwards  be  fit  to  drink.  A  few  handfuls  of  hops, 
boiled  in  the  water,  either  with  a  little  orange  peel,  or 
without,  give  a  wholesome  and  pleasant  bitter  to  this 
beer,  and  assist  in  keeping  it  from  turning  sour.  If 
tops  of  the  spruce-fir  be  added  to  the  water  which  is 
boiled  for  making  this  beer,  it  is  then  called  spruce 
beer. 

Extemporaneous  small  beer.  To  two  quarts  of  com- 
mon porter,  add  of  molasses  half  a  pint,  of  ginger  two 
drachms,  water  just  warm,  four  quarts;  let  the  whole 
ferment  in  a  warm  place,  then  rack  oft. 

Another,  Lemon  peel  one  ounce,  cream  of  tartar  four 
ounces,  hops  one  ounce,  molasses  one  quart,  ginger  one 
drachm,  bruised  cloves  four  in  number,  boiling  water 
four  gallons;  ferment  with  yeast. 

To  make  yeast.  Boil  a  pint  bowl  full  of  hops  in  two 
quarts  of  water  to  one  quart;  put  eight  table-spoonfuls  of 
flour  into  a  pan,  and  strain  the  hop  water  boiling  on  it; 
when  mixed,  it  should  be  thick  batter,  and  when  milk 
warm,  stir  in  it  a  breakfast  cup  of  good  yeast;  put  in 
into  three  porter  bottles,  stopping  them  with  paper;  put 
them  into  a  milk  pan  near  the  fire,  and  as  soon  as  the 
mixture  rises  to  the  top  of  the  bottle,  remove  them  to 
the  cellar  until  it  subsides,  then  cork  the  bottles,  and 
and  set  them  on  a  cool  cellar  floor,  or  in  an  ice  house.  In 
very  warm  weather,  the  corks  ought  to  be  taken  out 
every  day,  to  let  out  the  carbonic  acid  air,  and  the  bot- 
tles again  stopped. 

Another  valuable  receipt.  Boil  twelve  clean  washed, 
middle  sized  potatoes,  and  at  the  same  time,  boil,  in 
another  vessel,  a  handfiil  of  hops  in  a  quart  of  water; 
peel  and  mash  the  potatoes  in  a  mortar  or  bowl;  pour 
part  of  the  hop  water,  while  hot,  upon  the  potatoes, 
mix  them  well,  and  jxiss  them  through  a  sieve,  then 
add  the  remainder  of  the  hop  water,  and  half  a  tea- 
cupful  of  honey,  beat  all  well,  and  add  a  small  portion 
of  leaven  to  bring  on  the  fermentation.  Put  the  whole 
in  a  stone  jug,  and  set  by  the  fire,  in  the  winter;  all 
the  utensils  must  be  scalded  every  time  they  are  used, 
and  wasJicd  perfectly  clean.  One  tea-cupful  of  the 


Materia  Medico. 


545 


above  potatoe  yeast,  will  answer  for  two  quarts  of  flour. 
In  summer  the  yeast  ought  to  be  made  every  second 
day. 

HOREHOUND. 

Marrubeum  Vulgare^ 

Grows  among  rubbish,  flowering  from  July  to  Sep. 
tember.  The  leaves  have  a  very  bitter  taste. 

An  infusion  or  tea  of  the  leaves  sweetened,  is  a  very 
common  remedy  for  colds.  A  syrup  prepared  by  sim- 
mering slowly  for  an  hour,  a  pint  of  honey  in  a  quart  of 
a  strong  decoction  of  the  plant,  is,  from  my  own  ex- 
perience, an  excellent  medicine  in  coughs,  or  any  breast 
complaint,  in  doses  of  a  small  table- spoonful  every  two 
or  three  hours,  or  oftener,  when  the  cough  is  very 
troublesome.  In  like  manner,  a  candy  prepared  by  sim- 
mering slowly  half  a  pint  of  the  juice  with  a  pound  of 
sugar,  will  be  found  equally  serviceable. 

In  the  southern  states  there  is  a  plant,  called  wild 
horehound,  growing  to  the  height  of  one  or  two  feet,  of 
which  a  tea,  prepared  by  adding  one  or  two  handfuls  of 
the  fresh  leaves,  or  half  the  quantity  of  the  dried,  to  a 
quart  of  water,  in  doses  of  a  gill  or  more,  every  two  or 
three  hours,  acts  gently  on  the  skin  and  bowels,  and  is 
used  like  the  Peruvian  bark  as  a  tonic  in  the  cure  of  ague, 
and  bilious  fever. 

HORSE-RADISH. 

Cochlearia  Armoracea^  '  . 

Grows  on  the  sides  of  ditches,  and  damp  places,  but 
is  cultivated  in  our  gardens  for  culinary  and  medicinal 
purposes.  It  has  long  been  known  as  a  most  powerful 
antiscorbutic,  and  when  taken  freely,  it  stimulates  the 
nervous  system,  promotes  urine  and  perspiration,  and 
is  thereby  usefully  employed  in  palsy,  dropsy,  scurvy, 
and  dironic  rheumatism.  The  root  should  be  cut  into 

3Z 


546 


Materia  Medica. 


small  pieces,  without  bruising,  and  swallowed  in  the 
dose  of  a  table-spoonful  without  chewing,  once  or  twice 
a-day,  or  it  may  be  steeped  in  wine,  and  taken  in  doses 
of  a  small  wine-glassful. 

Upon  the  authority  of  the  celebrated  Dr.  CuUen,  it 
is,  in  the  form  of  syrup,  excellent  in  hoarseness,  or  in 
the  .  decline  of  violent  colds  and  pleurisies.  Whether 
externally  or  internally  employed,  horse-radish  proves  a 
stimulant;  hence  it  has  been  found  serviceable  by  chew- 
ing it  in  palsy  of  the  tongue,  and  applied  in  paralytic 
complaints  to  affected  parts.  The  root,  scraped,  and 
applied  in  the  form  of  poultice,  to  the  feet,  until  some 
inflammation  is  produced,  in  low  stages  of  fever,  at- 
tended with  delirium,  has  also  produced  good  effects. 

It  is  said,  the  root  steeped  in  vinegar,  will  remove 
freckles  of  the  face;  if  so,  it  deserves  to  be  tried  in  cases 
of  ring  or  tetter  worm. 

HOUSELEEK. 

Sempervivwriy 

Grows  on  the  roofs  of  houses  and  old  walls,  flowering 
in  July. 

The  juice  of  this  plant,  mixed  with  honey,  is  said  to 
be  of  considerable  service  in  the  thrush  of  children. 
Stewed  with  cream,  it  is  a  great  favourite  with  the 
country  people,  for  the  cure  of  corns,  fresh  burns,  stings 
of  wasps,  bees,  and  other  external  inflammations.  An 
infusion  of  the  leaves  is  also  said  to  be  cooling  and  lax- 
ative. 

HYSSOP. 

Hyssop  us, 

Is  cultivated  in  our  gardens.  An  infusion  of  the 
leaves,  sweetened  with  honey,  or  in  the  form  of  syrup, 
is  useful  in  humoral  asthma,  coughs,  and  other  disor- 
ders of  the  breast  and  lungs,  accompanied  with  inflam- 
matory symptoms. 


Materia  Medica, 


547 


ICE  PLANT. 

Mesembryanthemum^ 

Grows  in  woods  to  the  height  of  six  inches,  and  be- 
comes white  in  September;  the  stalk  and  leaves  are 
like  frozen  jelly,  and  when  handled,  dissolve  as  ice. 

The  root  pulverized,  in  doses  of  a  half  or  tea  spoonful, 
in  the  morning,  is  said  to  be  a  good  remedy  for  chil- 
dren troubled  with  fits;  hence  it  is  called  by  the  coun- 
try people,  Fit  Root,  Adults  may  take  it  in  much 
larger  doses. 

INDIAN  HEMP, 

Grows  in  woods,  and  on  the  borders  of  meadows, 
three  feet  high;  the  stalk  is  bare  for  a  foot,  then  spring 
many  branches;  leaves  numerous,  flowers  whitish,  si- 
milar to  buckwheat,  which  terminate  in  seedpods  resem- 
bling a  cucumber. 

The  bark  of  the  root  in  the  form  of  powder,  in  doses 
from  twenty  to  thirty  grains,  or  half  a  tea-spoonful,  will 
generally  operates  as  an  emetic  and  cathartic.  In  doses 
of  five  or  six  grains,  or  a  wine-glassful  of  the  infusion, 
every  two  hours,  it  promotes  perspiration.  It  has  been 
found  beneficial  in  rheumatism,  dropsies,  and  asthmatic 
complaints.  A  table-spoonful  of  the  infusion,  half  a 
handful  of  the  bark  to  a  pint  of  boiling  water,  given  oc- 
casionally to  children  in  the  hooping  cough,  throws  off 
the  phlegm,  and  prevents  straining. 

INDIAN  PHYSIC,  OR  AMERICAN  IPECA- 
CUANHA. 

Spiraea  Trifoleata^ 

Grows  about  two  or  three  feet  high,  in  low  woods 
and  meadows. 


548  Materia  Medica. 

Professor  Barton  says,  the  root,  which  is  the  part 
made  use  of,  is  a  safe  and  efficacious  emetic. 

The  celebrated  Col.  Bird,  of  Virginia,  was  so  ena- 
moured of  this  plant,  that  he  wrote  a  pamphlet  on  its 
virtues,  which  he  found,  from  great  and  successful  prac- 
tice, in  his  own  very  numerous  family,  to  be  at  least 
equal  if  not  superior  to  those  of  the  imported  ij  -ecacu- 
anha.  In  the  dose  of  thirty  to  forty  grains  in  powder, 
for  an  adult,  it  is  one  of  the  most  bafe  and  certain  eme- 
tics. In  broken  doses  of  five  or  six  grains,  every  two 
hours,  it  is  equally  valuable  as  a  sudorific.  It  may  also 
be  given  in  infusion,  a  handful  to  a  pint  of  boiling  wa- 
ter, of  which  a  small  tea-cupful  may  be  taken  every  fif- 
teen or  twenty  minutes,  until  it  promotes  vomiting. 

INDIAN  TOBACCO.  See  Emetic  Weed, 
INDIAN  TURNIP. 

Arum  Triphyllum^ 

Grows  in  meadows  and  swamps,  six  or  eight  inches 
high,  purple  stalks,  leaves  three  in  number,  roundish, 
and  berries  of  a  bright  scarlet  colour. 

It  is  a  very  acrid  plant.  An  ointment  prepared  by 
simmering  the  fresh  root  in  hog's  lard,  and  one  eighth 
part  of  wax,  is  said  to  be  a  good  application  in  the  scald 
head.  From  -he  autliority  of  professor  Barton,  we  learn 
that  the  receni  root,  boiled  in  milk,  has  been  advanta- 
geously employed  in  cases  of  consumption.  He  even 
cites  a  very  striking  instance.  It  is  also  recommended 
in  the  asthma,  and  hooping  cough,  in  the  form  of  con- 
serve, made  of  a  pound  of  the  peeled  root  pounded  fine- 
ly in  a  mortar,  with  three  pounds  of  loaf  sugar;  dose,  a 
tea-spoonful  twice  or  thrice  a-day. 


Materia  Medico. 


54r9 


INDIGO  WEED,  OR  WILD  INDIGO. 

Sophora  Tinctoria^ 

Grows  in  great  abundance  on  the  road  sides,  and  in 
the  woods,  and  is  used  by  travellers  in  the  middle  states 
to  drive  away  the  flies. 

A  decoction  of  this  plant  in  large  doses,  is  said  to 
operate  powerfully  on  the  stomach  and  bowels,  but  in 
smaller  doses  of  a  wine-glassful,  proves  a  mild  lax- 
ative. An  infusion,  or  tea,  is  said  to  be  cooling  and 
good  in  fevers;  and  in  the  form  of  fomentation  and 
poultice,  to  arrest  the  progress  of  mortification,  espe- 
cially if  a  little  of  the  infusion  be  taken  internally  at  the 
same  time.  An  ointment  prepared  by  simmering  the  bark 
of  the  root  in  cream,  fresh  butter,  or  lard,  has  been  re- 
commended as  a  good  application  to  sore  nipples  or  ul- 
cers  of  the  breast. 

IPECACUANHA,  AMERICAN,       Indian  Physic 

IVY.  See  Calico  Tree. 

JAMES'  TOWN,  OR  JIMSON  WEED. 
See  Thorn  Apple. 

JERUSALEM  OAK,  OR  WORMSEED. 

Chenopodium  Anthelfne?itkum, 

Has  long  been  employed  to  expel  worms.  One  or 
two  tea-spoonfuls  of  the  seed  with  molasses  or  honey, 
is  generally  given  to  a  child  two  or  three  years  old  in 
the  morning  on  an  empty  stomach,  and  the  dose  is  some- 
times repeated  at  bed-time.  It  ought  to  be  continued 
for  several  days.  When  there  is  an  aversion  to  using 


550 


Materia  Medica. 


it  in  this  form,  the  seed  may  be  boiled  in  milk,  and 
taken  in  doses  of  one  or  two  wine-glassfuls,  or  the  ex- 
pressed juice  of  the  plant  sweetened,  may  be  exhibited 
in  doses  of  a  table-spoonful.  The  oil,  which  is  prepared 
from  the  seed,  possesses  the  same  virtue,  and  is  found  a 
more  convenient  form  of  giving  the  medicine. 

JUNIPER,  COMMON. 

Juniperus  Communis, 

An  evergreen  shrub,  growing  on  dry  barren  com- 
mons, and  hilly  ground. 

A  strong  decoction,  made  of  a  handful  of  the  tops  and 
berries  to  a  quart  of  boiling  water,  in  doses  of  a  tea- 
cupful  three  or  four  times  a  day,  has  long  been  employ- 
ed in  dropsy,  scurvy,  and  gravel,  or  difficulty  of  urine. 
The  oil  of  juniper  possesses  the  same  properties  in  a 
high  degree,  and  imparts  them  to  ardent  spirits.  The 
peculiar  flavour,  and  well  known  diuretic  effect  of  Hol- 
land gin,  are  owing  to  this  oil. 

LAMBKILL.  See  Calico  Tree. 

LAUREL.  See  Calico  Tree. 

LAVENDER  THRIFT. 

Statice.  Lzmonium^ 

Grows  on  the  sea  shore,  on  salt  marshes,  flowering 
from  July  to  September.  The  stem  is  naked,  branched, 
and  about  a  foot  high;  the  leaves  long  and  pointed;  the 
flowers  blue,  and  growing  on  long  spikes  on  the  tops  of 
the  branches. 

According  to  Dr.  Hughes  of  Providence,  and  Dr. 
Baylies  of  Dighton,  a  decoction  of  the  root  has  been 
tried  with  success  in  aphthous  state  of  fever,  and  ulcer- 
ous sore  throat,  as  a  most  powerful  antiseptic.  In  large 


Materia  Medica. 


551 


doses  it  operates  as  an  active  emetic,  and  in  smaller  as 
a  strong  expectorant. 

LEMON  TREE. 

Citrus  Medictty 

Is  now  cultivated  in  the  southern  states,  and  holds 
the  first  place  among  the  cooling  and  antiseptic  vege- 
tables, to  correct  the  putrid  tendency  of  animal  food  in 
summer. 

The  acid  of  lemons,  from  its  antiseptic  properties, 
has  long  been  employed  as  a  remedy  in  the  scurvy. 
My  highly  esteemed  friend,  Dr.  Cutbush,  says,  from 
the  commencement  of  our  navy,  it  has  been  used  on 
board  the  ships  of  war  with  very  great  success,  in  pre- 
venting, as  well  as  curing  this  disease.  The  fresh  fruit 
is  preferred. 

Lemon,  or  lime  juice,  diluted  with  water,  and  the  addi- 
tion of  a  little  sugar,  forming  lemonade,  serves  as  one 
of  the  most  grateful  beverages  in  bilious  and  nervous  fe- 
vers. When  saturated  with  common  table  salt,  it  proves 
a  valuable  medicine  in  dysentery,  putrid  sore  throat, 
and  remittent  fever.  In  diarrhoea  and  diabetes,  where 
the  aliments  are  apt  to  run  off  in  their  crude  state,  this 
mixture  is  said  to  be  a  most  efficacious  remedy.  A  table- 
spoonful  of  lemon  juice,  fifteen  or  twenty  grains  of  salt 
of  tartar,  or  salt  of  wormwood,  with  the  addition  of  a 
little  water,  swallowed  in  a  state  of  effervescence,  is  ex- 
cellent to  stop  nausea,  and  allay  febrile  heat.  The  acid 
of  lemons  is  a  common  remedy  against  narcotic  vege- 
table poisons,  such  as  opium. 

Either  of  the  following  methods  is  recommended  for 
preserving  the  juice  of  lemons  or  limes.  Boil  the  juice 
after  straining,  and  bottle  it,  or  squeeze  the  fruit,  put 
the  juice  and  pulp  into  a  bottle,  cover  the  top  with  an 
inch  of  oil,  cork  and  rosin  the  bottle.  The  juice  is 
supposed  to  feed  upon  the  pulp.  Before  using  the  juice, 
the  pulp  and  oil  must  be  carefully  taken  out.  The 
dried  peel  of  lemons  is  a  grateful  aromatic,  and  as  a 


552 


Alateria  Medica. 


stomachic,  generally  constitutes  one  of  the  ingredients 
of  bitters. 

LETTUCE,  WILD.  ■ 

Lactuca  Virosoy 

Grows  about  four  feet  high,  about  hedges  and  the 
borders  of  meadows.  It  has  three  different  kinds  of  ! 
leaves;  those  proceeding  from  the  root  are  slightly 
toothed,  and  those  attached  to  the  flower  stalks  are 
arrow-shaped,  pointed,  and  minute;  the  flowers  are 
yellow  and  small,  the  leaves  are  milky,  and  smell  like 
opium. 

An  extract  prepared  from  the  expressed  juice  of  the 
leaves,  gathered  when  in  flower,  and  given  in  doses 
of  from  five  to  ten  grains  twice  or  thrice  a  day,  is  said 
to  be  a  powerful  diuretic,  and  of  great  efiicacy  in  the 
cure  of  dropsy. 

LICHEN,  OR  LUNGWORT. 

Lichen, 

Is  a  thin  shell  or  skin  which  grows  on  the  bark  of  the 
white  oak  tree,  resembling  the  lungs,  from  whence  it  is 
called  lungwort. 

It  is  said  to  possess  the  same  qualities  as  the  Iceland 
moss,  or  lichen,  so  celebrated  in  the  cure  of  consump- 
tion. 

An  infusion,  a  handful  to  a  quart  of  boiling  water,  used 
as  a  common  drink,  or  a  strong  decoction  formed  into 
syrup,  with  honey  or  sugar,  may  be  taken  in  doses  of  a 
wine-glassful  three  or  four  times  a  day.  It  is  also  said  t» 
be  a  useful  medicine  in  the  hooping  cough. 


Materia  Medico, 


553 


LIFE  ROOT, 

Grows  on  the  borders  of  meadows,  about  two  feet 
high,  leaves  large  and  saw-edged;  flowers  yellow,  and 
the  root  small  and  fibrous. 

An  infusion  of  this  plant,  a  handful  to  a  quart  of 
boiling  water,  taken  in  doses  of  a  tea-cupful  five  or  six 
times  a-day,  is  said  to  be  an  excellent  remedy  for  the 
gravel. 

LOBELIA,  OR  BLUE  CARDINAL  FLOWERS. 

Lobelia  Syphilitica^ 

Grows  abundantly  in  the  middle  and  southern  states 
in  moist  grounds,  and  near  springs;  has  an  erect  stalk 
three  or  four  feet  high;  blue  flowers;  a  milky  juice,  and 
a  rank  smell. 

Professor  Barton  says  this  plant  was  purchased  from 
the  northern  Indians  by  the  late  sir  Wm.  Johnson,  as  a 
remedy  in  the  venereal  disease:  hence  its  specific  name 
syphilitica.  He  doubts,  however,  its  power  to  cnre  the 
pox:  though  from  its  diuretic  quality,  it  certainly  has 
been  found  useful  in  gonorrhoea  or  clap.  He  states  that 
many  persons  in  the  western  country,  from  their  igno- 
rance of  botany,  have  made  use  of  a  plant  which  they 
call  lobelia^  in  the  venereal  complaint.  But  from  the 
specimen  he  has  received,  he  believes  the  plant  to  be 
the  serratula  spicata  or  spiked  sawwoort.  It  is  a  power- 
ful diuretic,  and  there  is  good  reason  to  believe  that  it 
has  been  found  useful,  not  only  in  venereal  complaints, 
but  also  in  cases  of  gravel.  Thus  ignorance  sometimes 
leads  to  knowledge. 

The  lobelia  is  generally  administered  in  the  form 
of  a  decoction,  a  handful  of  the  root  and  leaves  boiled 
slowly  in  three  pints  of  w^ter  to  a  quart,  of  which  a  gill 
or  more  may  be  taken  (hree  times  a-day. 

4  A 


554 


Mafe?ia  Medica, 


MADDER,  WILD.  M 

Riibia  Tinctonim,  -M 

Is  cultivated  in  Pennsylvania  and  South  Carolina  for 
dyeinj^  a  fine  red  colour,  but  also  possesses  great  medi- 
cinal powers. 

ll  has  been  highly  recommended  in  visceral  obstruc- 
tions, particularly  of  the  uterus,  in  coagulations  of  the 
blood  induced  either  by  falls  or  bruises,  in  dropsical 
complaints,  and  especially  in  the  rickets.  It  may  be 
given  in  powder  from  five  to  fifteen  grains  to  children, 
and  from  half  to  a  whole  drachm  three  or  four  times 
a-day  to  adults.  When  taken  internally,  it  possesses  the 
remarkable  quality  of  tinging  the  urine  of  a  red  colour; 
and  produces  similar  eftects  on  the  bones  of  animals, 
when  eaten  with  their  food. 

MAGNOLIA, 

Goes  by  several  names,  as  beaver  tree,  swamp  sassa- 
fras, elk  bark,  Indian  bark.  It  is  an  agreeable  aromatic 
tonic  bitter  medicine. 

An  infusion  or  decoction  of  the  bark  has  beennised  in 
the  ague  and  fever,  and  much  celebrated  among  the 
western  Indians  as  a  remedy  in  rheumatism.  I  am  in- 
formed from  a  respectable  source  that  John  Dickinson, 
esq.  author  of  the  celebrated  Pennsylvania  Farmer's  Let- 
ters, was  completely  cured  of  a  violent  attack  of  the 
chronic  rheumatism  by  a  strong  decoction  of  the  twigs 
of  the  magnolia. 

The  species  magnolia  grandiflora,  ever- green  laurel, 
sometimes  called  tulip  tree,  grows  to  the  height  of 
eighty  feet  near  Savannah*.  The  bark  of  the  root  of 
this  tree  is  also  used  as  a  substitute  for  the  Peruvian 
bark  in  intermittent  fevers.  The  cones  or  seed-vessels 


Materia  Mcdica, 


555 


©f  the  magnolia,  which  is  commonly  called  cucumhcr- 
trce,  has  been  advantageously  used  in  Virginia  in  liie 
form  of  tincture,  in  rheumatic  complaints. 

MAIDEN  HAIR. 

Asplc7iiutn  Trichomanes^ 

Called  also  milk  waste,  spleenwort.  Grows  on  old 
walls,  rocks,  and  shady  stony  places,  generally  to  the 
height  of  seven  or  eight  inches;  leaves  very  fine  and 
soft  and  spotted  underneath;  stalks  of  a  dark  purple 
colour;  flowers  from  May  to  October.  Its  leaves  have 
a  mucilaginous  sweetish  taste,  without  any  peculiar 
odour. 

An  infusion,  by  pouring  a  quart  of  boiling  water  on 
a  handful  of  the  dry  herb,  sweetened  with  honey,  and 
taken  in  quantity  of  a  tea-cupful  every  hour  or  two,  or 
a  spoonful  in  the  form  of  syrup,  is  said  to  be  good  in 
tickling  coughs,  hoarseness,  and  disorders  of  the  breast, 
proceeding  from  acrid  humours,  in  irregularities  of  the 
menses,  and  obstructions  of  the  viscera. 

MALE  FERN.  See  Fern  Male. 
MALLOW,  COMMON. 

Maha  Syhestris, 

Grows  in  hedges,  foot  paths,  and  among  rubbish; 
flowering  from  June  to  August.  The  leaves  possess  a 
mucilaginous  sourish  taste. 

A  decoction  of  this  plant  is  said  to  be  useful  in  dy- 
senteries and  gravel  complaints,  though  it  is  chiefly  em- 
ployed as  an  emollient  poultice  to  produce  suppuration. 


556 


Materia  Medica. 


MANDRAKE,  OR  MAY-APPLE.  9 

Podophyllum  Peltatum^  ^ 

Grows  on  low  grounds,  two  or  three  feet  high,  leaves 
generally  three,  broad  at  the  base,  and  terminating  in  a 
sharp  point;  flowers  yellow;  the  fruit  resembling  a  lime, 
or  small  yellow  apple,  which  is  much  admired  by 
some. 

The  root  is  an  excellent  purgative,  and  may  be  taken 
in  doses  from  ten  to  thirty  grains  in  substance,  or  double 
the  quantity  infused  in  a  gill  of  water.  Dr.  Little,  of 
Pennsylvania,  esteems  it  preferable  to  jalap.  The  ho- 
nourable Paul  Hamilton,  who  often  used  it,  directs  equal 
parts  of  the  juice  and  molasses  to  be  mixed,  and  a  table- 
spoonful  taken  every  hour  or  two  until  it  operates. 

The  best  time  of  gathering  the  mandrake,  for  medici- 
nal purposes,  is  in  autumn  when  the  leaves  have  turned 
yellow,  and  are  about  falling  off.  The  Indians  dry  it  in 
the  shade,  and  powder  it  for  use. 

MARSH  MALLOW. 

Althaea  Officinalis y 

Grows  in  marshes  and  wet  places.  The  leaves  have 
a  soft  woolly  surface,  feelingly  like  velvet.  The  flow- 
ers  are  of  a  white  pale  flesh  colour,  and  appear  in  Au- 
gust. 

Every  part  of  the  marsh  mallow,  and  especially  the 
root,  when  boiled,  yields  a  copious  mucilage;  on  account 
of  which  it  is  employed  in  emollient  cataplasms  or  poul- 
tices, for  softening  and  maturating  hard  tumours.  It  is 
likewise  of  eminent  service  in  the  form  of  infusion,  in 
asthma,  hoarseness,  dysentery  and  gravel. 


MARSH  ROSEMARY.  See  Lavender  Thrift. 


Materia  Medic  a. 


557 


MASTERWORT. 
Imperatoria^ 

Grows  in  meadows  and  rich  soils,  two  feet  high;  leaves 
three  together,  saw-edged,  and  spear-shaped;  flowers 
in  June. 

The  root  of  this  plant  is  a  warm  and  grateful  medi- 
cine in  flatulency,  weakness  of  the  stomach,  and  bowels, 
and  dropsical  affections.  It  may  be  taken  in  the  form 
of  powder,  decoction,  or  tincture.  One  drachm,  or  a  tea- 
spoonful  of  the  powder  in  a  glass  of  wine,  or  spirits,  and 
taken  an  hour  before  the  fit,  has  frequently  prevented 
the  ague.  The  decoction  or  infusion  is  made  of  one 
hand! u I  in  a  quart  of  boiling  water,  and  the  dose  a  tea- 
cupful  three  times  a  day, 

MAY  APPLE,  Mandrake. 
MAY  WEED,  OR  WILD  CAMOMILE. 

Cotula  FcetidOy 

Grows  about  two  feet  high,  in  pastures  near  fences; 
the  flowers  yellow,  resembling  camomile  flowers,  and 
are  frequently  used  as  a  substitute  for  them. 

MEZEREON. 

Daphne  Mezereumy 

Called  also  spurge  laurel,  dwarf  bay.  Grows  plenti- 
fully in  woods  and  shady  places  near  the  Ohio,  and 
flowers  in  the  month  of  February  or  March.  The  fruit 
is  a  berry,  in  which  is  found  a  single  seed.  The  leaves 
are  spear-shaped,  and  the  flowers  grow  of  a  beautiful 
red  or  rose  colour. 


558  Materia  Medica.  J 

The  bark  of  the  root  of  this  plant  is  the  part  used  im 
medicine,  and  has  an  extremely  acrid  burning  taste  iiil 
the  mouth  and  fauces.  1 

Dr.  Withering  asserts  that  a  patient  who  lived  underl 
extreme  difficulty  of  swallowing  for  three  years,  wasJ 
effectually  cured  in  two  months,  by  chewing  the  rooti 
as  often  as  she  could  support  its  irritating  effects.  The! 
fresh  root  scraped,  and  applied  to  the  surface  of  the  skin,! 
affords  an  efficacious  blister — when  taken  internally,  it 
determines  to  the  surface,  and  has  been  found  great- 
ly serviceable  in  rheumatism  and  obstinate  cutaneous 
diseases.  Its  principal  use,  however,  is  in  the  venereal 
disease,  in  the  last  stage,  or  when  mercury  has  failed. 
It  is  particularly  efficacious  in  relieving  nocturnal  pains, 
ajid  removing  venereal  nodes.  One  gill  to  half  a  pint  of 
the  decoction,  made  of  two  drachms,  or  a  handful  of  the 
bark,  with  an  equal  quantity  of  liquorice  root,  boiled  in 
three  pints  of  water  to  a  quart,  may  be  taken  three  or 
four  times  a  day. 

MILK,  OR  SILK  WEED. 

Vincetoxlcum^ 

Grows  by  the  road  sides,  and  on  sandy  ground,  about 
three  feet  high;  the  stalk  square;  leaves  oval  and  milky;^ 
flowers  yellow,  which  terminate  in  a  pod  resembling  a 
cucumber,  filled  with  down,  which  when  ripe,  is  blowi^ 
away. 

A  handful  of  the  root  boiled  slowly  in  a  quatt  of 
water  for  half  an  houf,  and  given  in  doses  of  a  gill  or 
more  three  or  four  times  a  day,  is  reputed  to  be  an  ef- 
fectual remedy  in  the  cure  of  dropsy,  and  serviceable  in 
catarrhs,  scrophulous  and  rheumatic  disorders,  and  gra- 
vel complaints. 


Materia  Medica. 


559 


MILKWORT,  COMMON. 

Polygala  Vulgaris^ 

Thrives  in  dry  pastures,  and  flowers  in  June  and 
July.  Its  roots  possess  an  extremely  bitter  taste,  to- 
gether with  all  the  virtues  of  the  American  rattlesnake 
root. 

A  table- spoonful  of  a  strong  decoction  of  the  root, 
two  handfuls  boiled  slowly  in  three  pints  of  water,  to  a 
quart,  and  taken  every  hour  or  two,  promotes  perspira- 
tion, as  well  as  expectoration,  and  has  therefore  been 
used  with  advantage  in  colds,  pleurisies,  and  other  dis- 
orders of  the  breast. 

MILTWASTE.  See  Maiden  Hair. 
MINT.  Stt  Peppermint. 
MISLETO  OF  THE  OAK. 

Viscunij 

Is  to  be  found  on  several  kinds  of  trees.  That 
which  grows  on  the  oak  is  said  to  have  cured  epilepsy 
or  fits.  It  is  directed  that  the  misleto  be  separate^  from 
the  oak,  about  the  last  of  November,  gradually  dried, 
and  when  pulverized,  confined  iii  a  bottle  well  corked; 
to  be  given  in  doses  of  a  tea-spoonful  three  or  four  times 
a  day,  gradually  increasing  the  dose  according  to  its 
effects. 


560 


Materia  Medical 


MOORWORT,  BROADLEAVED. 

Andromeda  Mariana, 

Called  wicke  at  the  southward.  A  strong  decoction 
of  this  plant  is  extremely  useful  as  a  wash  in  that  dis- 
agreeable ulceration  of  the  feet,  which  is  called  toe-itch, 
and  ground  itch,  a  very  common  complaint  among  the 
negroes  and  lower  class  of  people  in  South  Carolina  and 
Georgia. 

MOTHERWORT. 

Leonurus  Cardiaca, 

Grows  in  waste  places,  and  flowers  in  July  and  Au- 
gust. The  flowers  are  in  thorny  whorls,  purplish  within, 
and  white  on  the  outside;  the  leaves  are  opposite,  two 
to  each  whorl;  they  have  a  strong,  disagreeable  odour, 
and  bitter  taste. 

An  infusion  of  this  plant  is  a  common  domestic  me- 
dicine in  fainting,  and  disorders  of  the  stomach.  It  is 
said  to  be  peculiarly  adapted  to  some  constitutions  af- 
fected with  nervous  and  hysterical  agitations;  and  that 
if  taken  at  bed -time,  procures  refreshing  sleep,  when 
opium  and  laudanum  had  failed. 

MOUNTAIN  TEA,  OR  DEERBERRY. 

Gaultheria  Procumbens, 

It  spreads  very  extensively  over  the  more  barren, 
mountainous  parts  of  the  United  States. 

A  strong  infusion  of  this  plant,  a  large  handful  to  a 
quart  of  boiling  water,  in  doses  of  a  tea- cupful  three  or 
four  times  a  day,  is  esteemed  useful  in  asthma,  and  for 
promoting  the  menstrual  discharge. 


Materia  Medico. 


HI 


MOUTH  ROOT,  OR  GOLDEN  THREAD. 

Nig-eliaj 

Is  found  in  swamps.  The  stems  erect  and  naked;  the 
leaves  grow  by  threes  at  the  termination  of  the  stems; 
the  white  solitary  blossoms  appear  in  May;  the  roots 
are  thread-shaped,  and  of  a  bright  yellow  colour,  and 
possess  considerable  astringency  and  bitterness. 

By  the  country  people  the  root  is  employed  as  a  re- 
medy  for  the  thrush  and  cancerous  sores  in  the  mouths 
of  children. 

MUGWORT,  OR  COMMON  WORMWOOD. 

Arteintsia  Absinthiumy 

Grows  two  or  three  feet  high,  on  road  sides  and 
among  rubbish;  leaves  deeply  divided,  pointed;  on  the 
upper  side  of  a  deep  green,  and  on  the  under  soft  or 
downy;  flowers  small  and  purplish. 

An  infusion,  a  handful  of  the  tops  to  a  quart  of  boiling 
water,  in  doses  of  a  tea-cupful,  or  a  tea-s|)OonfuI  of  the 
powdered  leaves  three  or  four  times  a-day,  is  an  admi- 
rable stomachic  in  weakness  of  the  stomach,  lowness  of 
spirits,  and  hysterical  affections.  It  is  also  said  to  be 
a  useful  medicine  in  difficult  menstruation,  in  inter- 
miltents,  jaundice,  and  dropsical  affections.  Externally 
it  is  applied  in  the  form  of  fomentation  and  poultice  to 
resist  putrefaction  and  relieve  the  pains  of  bruises,  as 
well  as  prevent  the  swelling  and  discoloration  of  the 
part. 

MULBERRY  TREE. 

Morus,  Nigra  et  Alba, 

Its  fruit  hath  the  common  quality  of  all  other  sweet 
fruits,  quenching  thirst,  abating  heat,  and  proving  lax- 
atiye  in  its  effects. 

4B 


566 


Materia  Medica, 


A  syrup  made  of  the  juice  of  the  fruit,  serves  as  aa 
excellent  gargle  for  mitigating  inflammations  of ,  the 
throat,  and  ulcers  of  the  mouth. 

The  bark  of  the  root  of  the  black  mulberry  tree,  in 
doses  of  thirty  grains,  or  half  a  tea-spoonful  of  the  pow- 
der, or  double  the  quantity  infused  in  a  gill  or  half  a 
pint  of  boiling  water,  or  equal  parts  of  a  strong  decoc- 
tion  and  molasses  formed  into  a  syrup  in  dose  of  a  wine- 
glassful,  is  an  excellent  purgative,  and  has  been  used 
with  success  as  a  vermifuge,  particularly  for  the  tape- 
worm. 

The  fruit  of  the  common  mulberry  tree,  when  pro- 
perly fermented,  and  prepared,  yields  a  pleasant  vinous 
liquor,  known  under  the  name  of  mulberry  wine.  Con- 
siderable quantities  of  these  berries  are  likewise  consu- 
med in  the  cider  countries,  where  they  are  mixed  with 
the  apples,  in  making  a  delicious  beverage  called  mul- 
berry cider.  For  this  purpose,  the  ripest  and  blackest 
mulberries  are  selected,  and  the  expressed  juice  is  add- 
ed to  the  cider,  in  such  a  proportion  as  to  impart  a  per- 
ceptible flavour.  The  liquor  thus  acquires  a  very  plea- 
sant taste,  as  well  as  a  deep  red  colour,  similar  to  that 
of  the  finest  port  wine,  both  of  which  continue  undimi- 
nished by  age. 

MULLEIN. 

Verbascum* 

The  leaves,  a  handful  to  a  quart  of  milk,  is  a  com- 
mon remedy  in  bowel  complaints. 

In  the  form  of  fomentation  or  poultice,  it  is  employed 
to  relieve  the  piles,  and  other  painful  swellings;  and 
in  a  dry  and  pulverized  state,  to  destroy  fungous  or 
proud  flesh. 

MUSTARD,  BLACK  AND  WHITE. 

Sinapisy  Nigra  et  Alba* 

Mustard  used  with  our  food,  provokes  the  appetite, 
assists  digestion,  and  promotes  the  fluid  secretions,  and 


Materia  Aledica, 


563 


is  especially  adapted  to  persons  of  weak  stomachs,  or 
where  much  acid  prevails,  as  it  acts  upon  the  system  ge- 
nerally without  producing  much  heat. 

A  table-spoonful  of  prepared  mustard  in  a  pint  of 
warm  water,  on  an  empty  stomach,  operates  as  an  eme- 
tic in  nervous  disorders.  A  tabie-spoonful  of  the  un- 
bruised  seed  taken  twice  or  thrice  a-day,  proves  a  gen- 
tle laxative,  increase  the  urinary  discharges,  and  is 
useful  in  chronic  rheumatism,  asthma,  palsy  and  dropsy. 
In  obstinate  intermittents,  or  ague  and  fever,  or  with 
persons  who  find  the  Peruvian  bark  oppressive  at  th®' 
stomach,  a  tea-spoonful  of  the  whole  seeds,  or  the  flour 
of  mustard  united  with  the  bark,  or  any  of  its  substi- 
tutes, will  very  frequently  succeed  in  the  cure,  when  a 
pound  of  bark  alone  would  not  produce  the  desired 
cflTect.  In  languid  constitutions,  or  low  stages  of  fevers, 
a  gill  of  the  seeds  mixed  with  a  small  handful  of  horse 
radish,  and  infused  in  a  quart  of  wine,  in  doses  of  a 
wine-glassful  occasionally,  is  a  most  cordial  stimulant. 

Another  excellent  form  in  which  mustard  may  be  ta- 
ken, is  that  of  whey.  It  is  prepared  by  boiling  two  or 
three  table-spoonfuls  of  the  seeds  bruised,  in  half  a  pint 
of  milk,  and  as  much  water,  till  the  curd  be  perfectly 
separated,  to  which  a  little  sugar  may  be  added,  and  of 
this  drink  a  tea-cupful  may  be  taken  three  or  four  times 
a-day,  in  nervous  fevers. 

The  pov/der  of  the  seeds,  mixed  with  the  crumbs  of 
bread  or  flour,  and  formed  into  a  poultice  with  sharp 
vinegar,  is  an  excellent  application  to  the  parts  aflfected 
with  rheumatism,  and  to  the  soles  of  the  feet,  and  palms 
of  the  hands,  in  fevers,  where  there  is  a  languid  circula- 
tion, or  cold  extremities,  or  in  cases  of  delirium. 

NETTLE,  STINGING. 

Urtica, 

The  expressed  juice  a  wine-glassful,  or  a  decoction, 
one  handful  to  a  quart  of  boiling  water,  in  doses  of  a 
tea-cupful  three  or  four  times  a-day,  is  said  to  be  useful 
in  jaundice,  asthma,  consumption,  and  gravel  com- 


564  Materia  Medic  a. 

plaints.  It  is  also  said  that  the  flower  and  seeds,  in 
doses  of  a  drachm  thrice  a-day,  may  be  substituted  for 
the  Peruvian  bark  in  ague  and  fever.  Externally  it 
has  been  employed  in  restoring  excitements  to  paralytic 
limbs  and  other  cases  of  torpor  and  lethargy.  It  may  be 
applied  by  stinging  the  part  with  the  nettles;  or  the 
fresh  leaves  may  be  applied  to  the  arms  or  legs. 

NIGHTSHADE,  AMERICAN.  See  Pokeweed.  \ 

NIGHTSHADE,  DEADLY. 

Atropa  Belladonnay 

Grows  two  or  three  feet  high  in  hedges,  among  rub- 
bish, and  uncultivated  places;  flowers  dusky  brown  on 
the  outside,  and  a  dull  purple  within,  appearing  single 
among  the  leaves  in  June  or  July;  the  berries  round, 
green,  changing  to  red,  and  when  ripe,  of  a  shining 
black.  The  whole  of  this  plant  is  poisonous,  and  chiK 
dren  allured  by  its  beautiful  berries,  have  too  often  ex- 
perienced their  fatal  eflfects. 

Like  all  other  strong  poisons  in  the  hands  of  skill  it 
performs  wonderful  cures  in  palsy,  epilepsy,  melancholy, 
jaundice,  dropsy,  and  cancer.  I  have,  says  the  great 
professor  Cullen,  had  a  cancer  of  the  lip  entirely  cured 
by  it.  A  scirrhosity  in  a  woman's  breast,  of  such  a  kind 
as  frequently  proceed  to  cancer,  I  have  found  entirely 
discussed  by  the  use  of  it.  In  the  employment  of  this 
dangerous  medicine,  it  is  necessary  to  begin  with  very 
email  doses.  A  half  a  grain  of  the  powdered  leaves  or 
root,  or  two  table- spoonfuls  of  the  infusion,  prepared 
by  infusing  twenty  grains  in  half  a  pint  of  boiling  water, 
and  strained  after  cooling,  is  a  sufficient  dose  for  adults 
to  commence  with.  The  dose  is  to  be  gradually  in- 
creased, and  repeated  daily;  but  as  soon  as  any  dan- 
gerous symptoms  occur,  its  use  ought  to  be  suspended 
for  soine  days,  and  afterwards  resumed  in  smaller  doses. 
Externally  the  powdered  leaves  are  applied  to  mitigate 
the  pain  in  cancerous  and  other  ill-conditioned  ulcers, 


Materia  Medic  a. 


565 


and  the  leaves  in  the  form  of  poultice,  to  discuss  scir- 
rhous and  cancerous  tumours. 

The  garden  nightshade,  growing  also  on  dung-hills, 
with  white  flowers,  odour  of  musk,  and  the  berries, 
when  ripe,  of  a  shining  black,  possess  similar  virtues  of 
those  of  the  deadly  nightshade. 

From  one  to  Uiree  grains  of  the  dried  leaves  infused 
in  boiUng  w\^ter,  and  taken  at  bed  time,  will  generally 
induce  a  copious  perspiration,  increase  the  discharge  of 
urine,  and  operate  as  a  mild  laxative  on  the  following 
day.  If  after  increasing  the  dose,  some  visible  effect  is 
not  produced,  its  further  use  will  not  avail  much.  The 
dose  is  to  be  repeated  every  night,  or  every  other  night. 
In  the  form  of  poultice,  it  haih  abated  the  inflammation 
of  the  eyes,  painful  swellings,  and  inflammations  of  the 
venereal  kind,  and  scrophulous  and  cancerous  tumours. 

The  woody  nightshade,  called  also  bitter  sweet,  be- 
cause it  is  first  sweet,  and  then  bitter,  grows  on  the  sides 
of  ditches,  and  in  moist  hedges,  climbing  upon  the  bush- 
es with  winding,  woody,  but  brittle  stalks.  The  flowers 
are  in  clusters  of  a  blue  purple  colour,  appearing  in  June 
or  July,  and  always  turning  against  the  sun.  The  berries 
are  red. 

This  species  is  not  so  deleterious  as  the  above  tw^o, 
and  it  acts  more  uniformly.  Its  sensible  operation  as  a 
medicine,  is  also  by  sweat,  urine,  and  stool,  and  in  the 
form  of  infusion,  is  said  to  be  eminently  serviceable  in 
acute  rheumatism.  It  has  also  been  found  efficacious  in 
jaundice,  scurvy,  obstruction  of  the  menses,  and  in  ob- 
stinate cutaneous  disorders.  An  infusion,  prepared  by 
adding  a  pint  of  boiling  water  to  an  ounce  or  half  a 
handful  of  the  twigs  or  stalks,  either  in  a  fresh  or  dried 
state,  of  which  a  tea-cupful  or  more  may  be  taken  morn- 
ing and  evening.  Another  form  is  made  by  steeping 
four  ounces  of  the  twigs  in  a  pint  of  wine.  The  dose 
a  wine-glassful.  In  the  form  of  poultice  or  cataplasm, 
it  is  also  said  to  be  a  powerful  discutient  of  hard  tu- 
mours. For  this  purpose,  boil  two  or  three  handfuls  of 
the  leaves  in  wine  or  vinegar,  to  which  may  be  added 
a  little  flaxseed,  and  this  to  be  applied  warm  to  indurated 
or  hard  tumours.  The  application  of  the  juice  and 


566 


Materia  Medica, 


leaves  to  cancerous  sores,  in  some  instances,  has  per 
formed  a  cure. 

OAK. 

The  bark  of  the  oak  possesses,  in  a  considerable  de- 
gree, astringent,  tonic,  and  antiseptic  properties.  Hence 
we  can  never  be  at  a  loss  for  a  remedy  in  those  diseases 
in  which  the  Peruvian  bark  has  been  recommended.  In 
intermittents,  and  low  stages  of  fever,  in  the  advanced 
stage  of  dysentery,  diarrhoea,  indigestion,  and  other 
diseases  of  weakness,  or  loss  of  tone  in  the  system,  I 
have  myself  employed  internally  the  black  and  red  oak 
bark  with  equal ,  effects,  though  in  rather  larger  doses 
than  the  Peruvian  bark.  Many  cases  have  come  under 
my  knowledge  in  practice,  of  persons,  especially  chil- 
dren, reduced  to  mere  skeletons,  by  protracted  disease, 
of  bilious,  nervous  fever,  and  bowel  complaints,  whose 
stomachs  would  not  retain  medicine,  being  most  won- 
derfully restored  to  the  blessing  of  health  by  bathing  in 
a  strong  decoction  of  oak  bark,  not  more  than  milk 
warm,  twice  a  day. 

In  the  year  1809, 1  was  requested  by  my  brother.  Dr. 
Thomas  Ewell,  who  had  the  superintendance  of  the 
marine  hospital  in  Washington,  to  visit  some  of  his  pa- 
tients in  the  confluent  small  pox,  which  had  proved  fa- 
tal in  several  instances. 

The  first  case  presented  to  my  view,  was  that  of  a 
poor  sailor  in  the  last  stage  of  this  dreadful  disease, 
and  so  far  gone  that  it  was  thought  utterly  useless  to 
prescribe  for  him,  his  coffin  being  actually  ordered. 
Reflecting,  however,  on  the  virtues  of  the  oak  bark,  I 
did  not  myself  entirely  despair  of  his  case;  and,  in- 
stead of  passing  him  by,  I  ordered  a  bath  of  a  strong 
decoction  of  oak  bark  to  be  prepared  with  all  possible 
despatch,  setting,  at  the  same  time,  some  of  the  soldiers 
to  boil  the  water,  while  others  hastened  to  the  woods 
for  the  bark.  When  ^vc  came  to  immerse  him  in  it,  we 
found  his  whole  body  such  a  mass  of  corruption,  from 
the  top  of  his  head  to  the  soles  of  his  feet,  so  filled  with 


Materia  Medica. 


567 


maggots,  that  there  was  no  other  way  to  bathe  him  but 
in  a  sheet.  I  directed  him  to  be  supplied  liberally  with, 
milk  toddy,  and  to  repeat  the  bath  every  two  or  three 
hours.  By  persevering  in  this  treatment  for  two  or  three 
weeks,  gradually  diminishing  the  toddy,  and  oak  bath, 
as  his  strength  increased,  to  the  astonishment  of  all  the 
spectators  he  was  miraculously  snatched  from  the  jaws 
of  death. 

When  his  sight  was  restored,  he  was  much  surprised 
to  see  that  the  astringent  waters  of  the  bath  had  made 
him  look,  as  he  said,  as  black  as  a  negro, I  am  happy 
to  add,  that  of  several  others  in  the  hospital,  who  were 
treated  in  a  similar  mode,  not  one  died. 

In  further  proof  of  the  tonic  and  antiseptic  virtue  of 
tRe  oak  bark,  I  beg  leave  to  cite  the  following  case  from 
Professor  Barton. 

In  a  case  of  gangrene  of  the  foot,  says  this  learned 
professor,  from  the  puncture  of  a  nail,  which  came 
under  my  notice  in  the  course  of  last  summer,  I  gave  to 
the  patient  very  large  quantities  of  the  decoction  of  oak 
bark,  at  the  same  time  that  the  affected  part  was  con- 
stantly kept  wet  with  the  same  decoction,  or  with  a 
poultice  made  of  bread  and  milk  and  the  bark.  I  can- 
not but  ascribe  the  recovery  of  my  patient  to  the  use  of 
these  means,  and  I  am  emboldened  to  recommend  the 
use  of  this  cheap  remedy,  as  one  highly  worthy  their  at- 
tention in  similar  cases. 

OAK  POISON.  See  Poism  Oak. 

ONIONS. 

Allium  Cepa^ 

Possess  similar  virtues  with  the  garlic,  only  in  a  lei4 
degree.  The  disagreeable  smell  which  they  impart  to 
the  breath  may  be  effectually  obviated  by  eating  a  few 
leaves  of  parsley  immediately  after  the  onions. 

Onions  are  justly  reputed  an  efficacious  remedy  in 
suppression  of  urine,  in  dropsies,  and  in  abscess  of  the 


568 


Materia  Medica. 


liver.  The  following  exemplification  of  the  virtue  of 
onions  in  liver  complaints,  deserves  the  attention  of  thq 
reader. 

Captain  B.  Burch,  one  of  the    surviving  heroes 
of  '76,  and  father  of  Mr.  Samuel  Burch,  chief  clerk  o£ 
the  house  of  representatives,  who,  for  every  thing 
amiable,  is  a  chip  of  the  old  block,  was  aiBicted  with 
an  abscess  of  the  liver,  which  was  deemed  incurable 
by  his  physicians.  Seeing  some  onions  in  the  room, 
'he  expressed  a  wish  to  eat  one.  Thinking  it  a  gone 
tase  with  him,  and  no  longer  a  matter  of  any  con- 
sequence what  he  ate,  his  wife  immediately  gratified  his 
appetite.  After  eating  one  or  two  onions,  he  found  him- 
self much  better,  which  induced  him  further  to^ndulge 
his  appetite.  He  subsisted  for  several  weeks  entirely  on 
onions,  with  only  the  addition  of  a  little  salt  and  bread,, 
and  from  using  this  diet  he  was  restored  to  perfect  health, 
and  is  now  a  very  hearty  man  in  his  53d  year.  This, 
with  innumerable  instances  of  a  similar  sort,  ought  to 
convince  the  young  practitioner,  that  in  the  cure  of  this 
disease,  nature  ought  always  to  be  consulted,  as  she 
seldom  or  never  errs. 

Upon  the  high  authority  of  our  virtuous  and  able 
statesman,  the  honourable  William  H.  Crawford,  onions 
externally  applied,  is  an  invaluable  remedy  in  violent 
sore  throats.  This  worthy  patriot  informed  me,  that  one 
of  his  children  was  violently  attacked  with  the  croup,  at 
his  mansion  in  Georgi^f  a  physician  was  sent  for,  but 
before  he  arrived,  the  disease  became  so  alarming  as  to 
threaten  the  child  with  immediate  death,  if  something 
for  its  relief  was  not  speedily  done.  Recollecting  to 
have  heard  that  an  ointment  of  garlic  had  been  employ- 
ed with  beneficial  effects  in  sore  throats,  he  instantly 
t||td  some  onions  beaten,  not  having  any  garlic  at  hand, 
to  which  was  added  a  small  portion  of  hog's  lard,  and 
with  this  mixture,  the  neck,  breast,  and  back  of  the 
child  was  well  rubbed,  which  in  the  short  space  of  one 
hour,  relieved  all  the  distressing  symptoms.  Another 
case  of  croup,  cured  by  this  application,  came  under  the 
notice  of  Mr.  Crawford  last  fall,  as  he  was  travelling 


Materia  Medica, 


569 


j  from  Georgia  to  the  scat  of  government.  A  little  girl, 
'  daughter  of  the  gentleman  at  whose  house  he  tarried  one 
I  night,  was  seized  with  this  alarming  malady,  and  on 
his  recommending  the  above  remedy,  it  was  employed 
with  the  same  happy  effects. 

He  also  stated  to  me,  that  while  in  Paris,  he  was  af-  ' 
fllcted  with  a  violent  sore  throat,  which,  not  yieldijftg  to 
the  usual  remedies,  he  directed  some  onions  to  be  beaten, 
and  had  them  applied  to  the  soles  of  his  feet  and  legs, 
1  over  which  his  stockings  were  drawn.  The  happy  re- 
f  suit  was,  that  he  had  a  good  night's  rest,  and  in  the  morn- 
ing found  his  throat  entirely  cured.  He  communicated 
the  cure  wrought  on  himself  to  a  French  lady  who  was 
greatly  distressed  with  a  sore  throat,  which  induced  her 
to  make  the  experiment,  and  the  fortunate  rebult>^as 
very  remarkable. 

ORANGE  TREE. 

Citrus  Aurantium, 

Is  now  cultivated  in  the  southern  states,  and  deser- 
vedly esteemed  for  its  grateful  acid  juice,  which,  by 
quenching  thirst  and  diminishing  heat,  is  of'(f|fnsidera- 
ble  use  in  febrile  disorders.  From  its  virtues  to  resist 
putrescency,  it  has  always  and  most  deservedly  held  the 
first  place  on  the  list  of  antiscorbutics. 

The  following  is  a  receipt  for  making  orange  wine: 
Take  the  expressed  juice  of  forty  sour  oranges>  five  gal- 
lons of  water,  and  fifteen  p6unds  sugar;  boil  the  wat^er 
and  sugar  for  twenty  minutes,  skim  constantly,  and 
when  cooled  to  a  proper  heat  for  fermentation,  add  the 
juice  and  outer  rinds  oj  the  fruit,  rasped  or  sheered  off, 
putting  all  in  a  proper  keg;  lea^e  it  open  for  two  or  three 
days,  and  then  biing  it  close  for  six  months. 

if} 

PAPAU.  See  Custard  Apple. 
PAPOOSE  ROOT.  See  Cohush. 


4C 


570 


Materia  Medic  a. 


PARSLEY-LEAVED  YELLOW  ROOT. 

Zanthoriza  Apiifolia^ 

Is  a  native  of  the  southern  states.  The  stems  reac* 
the  height  of  three  feet,  and  are  somewhat  thicker  than 
the  barrel  of  a  goose  quill.  The  root  is  from  three  to 
twelve  inches  long,  and  about  the  diameter  of  a  man's 
little  finger,  sending  off  numerous  scions,  sometimes  two 
feet  in  length,  by  which  means  it  spreads  considerably. 
The  flowers  appear  before  the  leaves,  very  early  in  th 
spring. 

Both  the  stem  and  the  root  are  of  a  bright  yellow  co-, 
lour,  and  possess  a  strong  and  bitter  taste.  In  medi- 
cinal virtues,  it  is  nearly  allied  to  the  celebrated  Colum- 
bo  root.  The  powdered  ste  m  and  root,  in  the  dose  of 
two  scruples,  is  highly  recommended  in  all  cases  requir- 
ing bitter  and  tonic  medicines.* 

According  to  professor  Barton,  we  have  a  very  com- 
mon plant  in  various  parts  of  the  United  Stales,  par- 
ticularly in  the  rich  soil  adjacent  to  ihe  Ohio  and  its 
branches,  in  the  western  parts  of  Virginia,  Pennsylva- 
nia, and  Kentucky,  which  is  commonly  called  Yellow 
Root.  He  describes  the  root  of  this  plant  as  being  a 
very  powerful  bitter,  perhaps  not  less  so  than  the  pre- 
ceding, and  very  popular  as  a  tonic  medicine.  The 
usual  forms  of  administering  it  are  powder,  tincture,  and. 
infusion.  This  latter  has  t^en  employed  as  a  wash  in 

*  The  above  is  the  character  of  this  plant,  as  given  by  my  excellent  friend, 
the  late  Professor  Woodhouse.  Friendship  is  often  partial;  but  eulog-y,  to  be 
just^  must  employ  bright  colours  to  paint  the  character  of  such  a  man  as  Dr.. 
Woodhouse.  W ith  ikut  rare  benevolence  which  imparts  its  noblest  ardor  to 
friendship,  he  combined  a  genius  which  threw  a  solar  radiance  over  the  dark 
abyss  of  chemical  science,  besides  illuminating  other  walks  of  useful  know- 
ledge. 

To  darken  the  gloom  of  so  awful  a  dispensation,  it  pleased  the  great  FA- 
THER of  LIGH  I  S  to  take  into  his  presence  another  star  of  equal  lustre 
with  Dr  VV(;odh()use.  I  mean  that  refulgent  genius.  Dr.  Shaw,  late  professor 
of  Ch>  mistry  in  the  university  of  Maryland.  The  friends  of  an  art  so  import- 
ant as  Chenaistry,  will  long  have  cause  to  mourn  the  early  extinction  of  those 
bright  luminaries. 


Materia  Medica, 


571 


inflammation  of  the  eyes.  It  is  supposed  this  is  the  plant 
which  some  of  the  Indians  make  use  of  to  cure  can- 
cers. 

PARSLEY,  WILD. 

Fetrosellinian, 

Grows  in  meadows,  and  among  rocks  near  the  sea; 
'Stems  firm,  near  six  feet  high;  long,  thick  root,  strong 
smell,  acrid  taste;  flosvers  in  July,  and  kidney  shaped 
seed,  which  alone  are  used  in  medicine,  as  a  powerful 
diuretic. 

A  small  handful  of  the  seed,  boiled  in  a  quart  of  water, 
and  sweetened  with  honey,  in  doses  of  a  tea  cupful  every 
hour  or  two,  is  celebrated  as  a  remedy  in  suppression 
of  urine,  or  gravel  complaints. 

PEACH  TREE. 

Amygdalus  Fersica. 

Both  the  flowers  and  leaves  are  excellent  cathartics, 
and  ought  to  be  preserved  by  every  family.  A  tea- 
spoonful  of  a  strong  infusion,  sweetened,  and  taken  every 
hour  or  two,  will  operate  mildly  on  the  bowels,  without 
griping  as  senna  does.  Of  the  syrup,  prepared  by  boil- 
ing slowly  the  juice  of  the  leaves,  with  nearly  an  equal 
quantity  of  molasses,  honey,  or  sugar,  a  table- spoonful 
to  children,  and  a  wine-glassful  to  adults,  will  also  prove 
a  mild  laxative  medicine.  I  have  myself  witnessed  its 
good  effects  in  St.  Anthony's  fire  and  measles,  and  have 
no  doubt  of  its  utility  in  other  diseases  requiring  gentle 
laxatives. 

The  honourable  George  M.  Troup,  with  Colonel 
David  M'Cormick,  both  of  Georgia,  and  my  most  inti- 
mate friends,  on  a  visit  to  one  of  their  cotton  plantations 
just  settled  in  the  interior  part  of  the  state,  and  where 
there  was  neither  medicine  nor  physician,  were  taken 
dangerously  ill  of  the  bilk)us  fever.  A  good  neighbour 
hearing  they  were  ill,  went  to  see  them,  and  prescribed 


572 


Materia  Medica. 


what  he  called  "  a?i  excellent  physic which  was  sim- 
ply  a  strong  infusion  of  peach  leaves,  to  be  taken  in 
doses  from  a  gill  to  half  a  pint  every  two  or  three  hours. 
It  operated  on  the  stomach,  bowels,  and  skin;  and  by 
persevering  in  the  use  of  it  for  a  few  days,  they  were 
happily  restored  to  health. 

A  decoction,  prepared  by  boiling  a  handful  of  the  dri. 
ed  leaves  in  a  quart  of  water  to  a  pint  and  a  half,  and 
taken  in  doses  of  a  tea-cupful  every  two  or  three  hours, 
is  reputed,  upon  respectable  authority,  to  have  proved 
an  effectual  remedy  in  many  cases  of  affections  of  the 
kidnies  or  gravel  complaints,  as  also  in  cases  of  voiding 
blood  by  urine,  which  had  resisted  the  usual  remedies. 

PENNYROYAL. 

Mentha  Pule^ium. 

An  infusion,  a  handful  to  a  quart  of  boiling  water,  a 
tea-cupful  the  dose  three  times  a-day,  has  long  been 
esteemed  in  hysteric  complaints  and  obstructions  of  the 
menses.  Dr.  Withering  says,  that  the  expressed  juice 
of  pennyroyal,  with  a  little  sugar  or  honey,  a  tea-cup- 
ful every  two  or  three  hours,  is  a  useful  medicine  in  the 
hooping  cough. 

PEPPERMINT. 

Mentha  Piperita^ 

Is  an  excellent  stomachic  in  flatulent  colics,  languors, 
hysteric  cases,  and  vom.iting.  The  usual  modes  of  ad- 
ministering it,  are  infusion,  the  distilled  water,  and  the 
essential  oil.  This  last,  united  with  rectified  spirits  of 
wine,  forms  the  essence  of  peppermint,  so  highly  es- 
teemed. 

In  nausea,  cholera  morbus,  obstinate  vomiting,  and 
griping,  pcpptrnnnt,  infused  in  spirits,  and  applied  as 
hot  as  can  be  endured  to  the  stomach  and  bowels,  will 
be  found  a  most  valuable  remedy. 


Materia  Medica, 


573 


A  lady  of  the  first  distinction,  in  Alexandria,  was 
seized  with  a  violent  fit  of  the  colic,  bringing  on  a 
weakness  and  irritability  of  the  stomach,  with  nau- 
sea and  vomiting  mcessantly.  Two  eminent  physicians 
seni  for  could  prescribe  nothing  that  did  any  service. 
Dr.  Craik  being  called  in,  immediately  ordered  a  large 
cataplasm  of  stewed  mint  in  spirits,  to  be  applied  as 
warm  as  it  could  be  borne  to  the  pit  of  the  stomach  and 
aMomen.  It  operated  like  a  charm.  The  distressing 
nausea  and  vomiting  left  her,  the  aperient  medicines 
were  then  retained,  and  the  obstinate  constipated  state 
of  the  bowels  was  speedily  removed.* 

*  To  heighten  my  satisfaction  in  this  cure,  it  was  wroug^ht  by  a  man,  of 
whom  I  can  never  think  without  feeling  the  most  tender  sentiments  of  grati- 
tude; I  mean  my  uncle.  Dr.  Jumes  Craik,  with  whom  I  was  then  a  student 
in  Alexandria. 

From  the  double  motive  of  pleasure  to  myself  and  profit  to  others,  I  beg^ 
to  sketch  a  short  outline  of  Dr.  Craik. 

Habits  of  temperance,  early  adopted  and  steadily  adhered  to,  imparted  to 
his  constitution,  though  naturally  delicate,  a  degree  of  vigor  and  vivacity 
that  carried  him  through  life  very  pleasurably,  till  his  eightieth  year.  After 
he  retired  from  practice,  he  continued  daily  to  take  considerable  exercise; 
and  such  was  his  activity,  that,  but  a  short  time  before  his  death,  he  walked 
from  his  country  seat  to  Alexandria,  a  distance  of  eight  miles! 

The  virtues  which  adorn  the  husband,  the  parent,  the  friend,  and  the  mas- 
ter, have  seldom  been  seen  to  shine  with  more  durable  lustre  than  in  Dr. 
Craik. 

In  reward  of  his  virtues,  Heaven  was  pleased  to  distinguish  him  with  un- 
common favours.  For  upwards  of  forty  years,  he  was  honoured  in  an  extra* 
ordinary  degree,  with  the  friendship  of  the  great  Washington,  being  all  that 
time  his  companion  and  physician.  This,  however,  was  nothing  compared 
to  the  happiness  lie  enjoyed  in  marriage  with  a  lady,  who,  for  all  the  charms 
**  of  a  mind  dluinincd  tkce,  and  all  the  graces  of  truth,  goodness,  and  harmo 
ny  of  love,"  never  had  her  superior  among  the  fairest  daughters  of  Eve. 

"  So  like  an  angel  did  she  spend  her  days. 
So  like  a  blessed  saint's,  were  all  her  ways; 
So  bland,  so  gentle^^all  her  actions  were, 
One  would  have  thought  her  an  immortal  here?^ 

After  more  than  fifty  years  of  the  happiest  life.  Dr.  Craik  was  removed  to 
those  scenes  where  bliss  immortal  reigns.  But  their  separation  was  short. 

"  He  first  deceased,  she  for  a  few  months  tried 
To  live  without  him— lik'd  it  not,  and  died." 


574 


Materia  Medica, 


PEPPER,  RED  OR  CAYENNE.  M 

Capsicum  A?inum, 

Is  cultivated  in  our  gardens;  it  is  a  powerful  stimu- 
lant, and  has  been  found  beneficial  in  chronic  rheuma- 
tism. I'hose  who  are  subject  to  flatulence  will  find  be- 
nefit in  using  it  with  vegetables  and  soup.  In  cases  of 
violent  pain  or  cramp  in  the  stomach,  no  medicine  is 
superior  to  a  strong  infusion  of  red  pepper,  one  or  two 
pods  to  half  a  pint  of  spirits,  in  dose  from  a  half  to  a 
wine-glassful.  It  is  also  useful,  both  as  a  medicine  and 
gargle,  in  putrid  sore  throat,  when  infused  in  water. 
Steeped  in  spirits  and  applied  warm  to  the  extremities 
in  chronic  rheumatism,  or  low  stages  of  nervous  fever, 
when  the  circulation  is  languid,  it  has  produced  the 
most  happy  effects. 

PINKROOT,  CAROLINA. 

Spigelia  Mar  Handicap 

Grows  abundantly  in  the  southern  states,  and  is  de- 
servedly esteemed  a  vermifuge^  or  destroyer  of  worms. 
An  infusion,  a  handful  to  a  quart  of  boiling  water,  and 
one  or  two  tea-cupfuls  night  and  morning,  is  the  usual 
form  and  dose.  With  the  addition  of  milk  and  sugar, 
children  will  take  it  almost  as  readily  as  their  tea.  It 
sometimes  occasions  disagreeable  affections  of  the  eyes; 
when  this  occurs,  suspend  the  use  of  the  medicine  until 
these  symptoms  disappear,  and  then  select  from  another 
parcel,  or  make  tea  of  the  tops  only,  as  it  is  supposed 
the  deleterious  effects  are  in  consequence  of  some  other 
root  being  attached  to  it. 

Pinkroot  is  also  considered  a  valuable  medicine  in 
fevers,  as  is  verified  daily,  when  given  to  children  in  a 
febrile  state  for  a  vermifuge,  when  no  other  effect  has 
been  produced  than  a  removal  of  the  fever. 


Materia  Medica.  575 


PISS  WORT.  See  Flea  Bane. 

PLANTAIN. 

Flaiitago^ 

Has  long  been  employed  as  an  antidote  against  the 
bites  of  snakes,  spiders,  and  other  venemous  insects. 
The  juice,  extracted  from  the  whole  of  the  plant,  is  gene- 
rally given  in  doses  of  two  tal:>le  spoonfuls  every  hour, 
or  oftcner,  until  the  patient  is  relieved.  It  is  sometimes 
given  in  conjunction  with  horehound  or  rue.  The  leaves 
bruised  are  considered  by  some  a  good  apphcation  to 
fresh  wounds. 

PLEURISY  ROOT. 

Afscleptas  Deciimbens^ 

Has  a  variety  of  names,  as  butterfly  weed,  flux  root, 
decumbent  swallow  wort.  It  is  a  beautiful  plant,  grow- 
ing two  or  three  feet  high  under  fences  and  upland  pas- 
tures. The  flowers  are  of  a  bright  orange  colour,  and 
appear  in  July  and  August.  These  are  succeeded  by 
long  slender  pods  containing  the  seed,  which  have  a  de- 
licate kind  of  silk  attache  d  to  them.  The  root  is  spindle 
or  carrot- shaped,  of  a  light  brownish  colour  on  the  out- 
side, white  within. 

This  plant  possesses  great  medicinal  virtues,  and 
ought  therefore  to  be  cultivated  in  our  gardens.  It  has 
long  been  employed  as  a  remedy  in  the  treatment  of  vio- 
lent cold  and  pleurisies.  No  medicine  is  better  calcu- 
lated than  this  to  produce  general  and  plentiful  perspi- 
ration  without  heating  the  body,  and  hence  its  well-me- 
rited fame  in  curi.ig  the  disease,  which  name  it  bears. 
Mr.  Thomson  Mason,  of  Virginia,  was  among  the  first 
who  noticed  the  virtues  of  this  plant,  and  from  his  long 


576 


Materia  Medica, 


experience  of  its  utility  in  pleurisy,  strongly  recommen- 
ded it  as  a  specific.  He  states,  that  after  the  use  of  an 
emetic,  and  the  loss  of  some  blood,  in  the  incipient  stage, 
he  administered,  of  the  pleurisy  root  finely  powdered,  as 
much  as  would  lie  upon  the  point  of  a  case-knife  in  a 
cufJ'of  warm  water,  and  repeated  the  dose  every  two 
hours  until  the  patient  recovered,  which  happened  fre- 
quently in  a  very  few  days.  By  these  simple  means  Mr. 
M.  cured  great  numbers. 

VVe  have  also  many  of  the  most  respectable  physicians 
celebrating  its  virtues  in  pleurisy,  and  other  recent  af- 
fections of  the  breast.  A  tea- cupful  of  a  strong  infusion, 
a  handful  to  a  quart  of  boiling  water,  is  given  every  two 
or  three  hours.  Professor  Barton  says  the  root  of  this 
plant  in  powder  possesses  a  purgative  quality,  and  that 
he  has  used  it  with  advantage  in  dysentery.  In  Vir- 
ginia also  it  has  been  used  with  great  effect  in  this  com- 
plaint. This  root  is  frequently  resorted  to  by  country 
people  for  the  relief  of  pains  of  the  stomach  from  flatu- 
lence and  indigestion,  hence  it  is  called  by  some  wind- 
root. 

My  honourable  friend,  Paul  Hamilton,  esq.  ascribes 
the  same  virtues  of  curing  pleurisies  and  dysentery  to  a 
plant  that  grows  in  South  Carolina,  and  which  is  also 
called  Pleurisy  Root,  Asclepias  Erectus.  He  thus 
describes  it: 

It  grows  in  rich  high  lands.  The  root  has  the  ap- 
pearance and  taste  of  a  small,  long,  sweet  potatoe;  the 
stalk  erect;  the  leaves  resembling  the  persimmon  leaf, 
is  situated  transversely,  and  when  broken,  it  throws  out 
a  viscid  milk;  blossonis  in  May  and  June.  The  blos- 
soms are  a  cream  colour,  with  purple  centres.  Twenty 
grains  of  this  root  in  powder,  he  says,  given  in  warm 
water  or  tea,  is  excellent  in  flatulent  colic;  and  the  same 
quantity  repeated  every  two  hours,  in  pleurisy,  will  sel- 
dom fail  to  bring  on  a  perspiration,  while  its  pectoral 
effects  are  admiral:)le. 


Materia  Medica, 


B77' 


POISON  OAK. 

I^hus  Toxicodendron^ 

Embraces  several  species,  the  most  dangerous  of 
which  is  the  swamp  sumach.  The  poison  may  bt-  com- 
municated, not  only  by  the  touch,  but  also  by  the  smoke, 
smell  or  steam,  producinc^  an  eruption  on  the  skin,  with 
pain  and  itchiui*;,  and  sometimes  attended  with  swollen 
head  and  fever.  One  of  the  best  remedies  which  has 
come  under  my  notice,  is  a  wash  of  crude  sal  ammoniac 
and  corrosive  sublimate,  two  drachms  of  the  former  to 
one  of  the  latter,  in  a  quart  of  water,  used  externally 
twice  or  thrice  a-day,  with  a  dose  or  two  of  salts,  or  an 
infusion  of  senna  and  salts.  I  have  lately  been  inform- 
ed, from  a  source  which  can  be  relied  on,  that  lime  wa- 
ter excels  any  other  application  as  a  wash  in  this  dis- 
tressing affection  of  the  skin.  The  species  called  some- 
times poison  wood,  has  a  low  shrubby  stalk,  the  leaves 
somewhat  heart-shaped,  the  flowers  small,  the  berries 
round,  and  of  a  yellowish  grey  colour  when  ripe.  Dr. 
Anderson,  of  Hull,  has  employed  the  leaves  of  this  spe- 
cies in  doses  from  half  a  grain  to  four  grains,  three  times 
a-day,  with  success  in  paralytic  cases. 

Poison  vine,  called  also  poison  creeper,  has  a  slen- 
der stem,  and  frequenily  climbs  to  the  top  of  our  tallest 
trees.  The  flowers,  which  appear  in  June,  arc  small,  of 
a  light  yellow  colour,  and  have  a  delightful  odour.  An 
extract  of  the  leaves,  two  grains  to  a  dose,  and  increased, 
has  been  successfully  employed  in  paralytic  affections, 
as  well  as  an  infusion  in  tetter- worm  and  scald  head. 

Professor  Barton  says,  that  a  decoction  has  been  used 
with  seeming  advantage  in  cases  of  consumption;  and 
others  say,  that  a  decoction  of  the  root  is  serviceable  in 
asthma. 

4D 


V 


578 


Materia  Medica, 


POKE. WEED. 

Phytolacca  Decandra^ 

Is  known  by  a  variety  of  names,  as  American  night- 
shade, coacum,  garget,  skoke.  The  berries  steeped  in 
spirits,  have  long  been  employed  in  the  chronic  rheuma- 
tism. It  has,  however,  sometimes  failed,  which  may 
have  been  owing  to  the  peculiarity  of  constitution,  or  to 
the  inertness  of  the  bounce  or  tincture  from  age,  an 
effect  often  observed  by  professor  Barton,  as  also  by 
myself.  From  the  authority  of  this  learned  professor, 
the  juice  of  the  ripe  berries,  inspissated  to  the  state  of 
an  extract,  and  spread  upon  a  rag,  or  upon  the  leaf  of 
the  plant,  is  an  excellent  application  to  scrofulous  or 
indolent  tumours.  The  juice  of  the  leaves  has  been  ap- 
pHed  in  the  same  manner  with  equal  advantage.  An 
ointment  of  the  leaves  with  lard  is  good  in  various  kinds 
of  ulcers.  The  roots,  bruised,  are  sometimes  applied  to 
the  hands  and  feet  of  the  patients  in  ardent  fevers.  To 
make  an  extract,  expose  to  moderate  and  continued 
heat,  the  juice  of  the  berries  or  leaves,  until  by  evapo- 
ration, it  thickens  to  the  consistence  of  honey.  It  may 
also,  be  made  from  the  root,  which  is  equally  efficacious. 
Boil  the  roots  for  some  time,  strain  the  decoction,  and 
then  reboil  it  to  a  thick  consistence.  Other  virtues  have 
been  recently  ascribed  to  this  plant  by  respectable  phy- 
sicians. 

An  infusion  of  the  leaves  is  recommended  externally 
as  an  admirable  remedy  for  the  piles.  One  ounce  of 
the  root  steeped  in  a  pint  of  wine,  and  given  to  the  quan- 
tity of  two  table- spoonfuls,  is  said  to  operate  mildly  as 
an  emetic.  It  is  also  said  that  this  plant  may  be  relied  on 
as  an  efficacious  remedy  for  the  venereal  disease,  in  its 
various  stages,  even  Vvithout  the  aid  of  mercury. 

From  my  own  experience  of  the  virtues  of  poke- weed, 
I  can  recommend  it  as  a  most  valuable  medicine  in  rheu- 
matic and  gouty  affections,  as  also  in  nocturnal  pains, 
and  obstinate  ulcerations  in  the  venereal  disease,  brought 


Materia  Me  die  a. 


579 


on  by  the  excessive  use  of  mercury.  The  usual  form 
of  exhibition  is  the  bounce,  a  wine-glassful  three  times 
a-dav.  The  bounce  is  prepared  by  filling  a  jug  with  the 
whole  berries  when  ripe,  and  then  pouring  as  much 
spirits  to  them  as  the  vessel  will  contain. 

An  ointment,  prepared  by  simmering  slowly  the 
leaves  or  a  handful  of  the  root  scraped  in  a  pint  of  hog's 
lard,  with  a  small  portion  of  beeswax,  has  been  used 
with  great  success  in  cancers,  and  various  kinds  of  ul- 
cers. 

POLYGONUM. 

An  infusion  of  it,  as  a  diet  drink,  is  a  powerful  promo- 
ter of  urine,  and  very  useful  in  gravel  complaints. 

POLYPODY,  COMMON. 

Poly  podium^ 

Grows  on  old  walls,  shady  places,  and  at  the  roots  of 
trees,  flowering  from  June  to  October.  The  root  has  a 
sweetish  taste,  but  by  long  boiling,  becomes  bitter.  An 
infusion  of  half  an  ounce  of  the  fresh  root  in  half  a  pint 
of  boiling  water,  in  doses  of  a  wine-glassful  every  hour 
or  two,  operates  as  a  mild  laxative. 

POMEGRANATE. 

Punica^ 

Is  cultivated  in  the  southern  gardens.  The  fruit  is 
agreeable  to  the  palate,  and  possesses  the  general  pro- 
perties of  subacid  fruits.  Its  rind  boiled  in  milk,  and 
drank  freely,  or  in  powder,  a  tea-spoonful  for  a  dose, 
three  times  a-day,  has  been  used  with  success,  in  diar- 
rhoeas, dysenteries,  and  other  diseases  requiring  astrin- 
gent medicines.  The  flowers  possess  the  virtues  of  the 
rind,  only  in  a  less  degree. 


580  Materia  Medka. 


POPLAR  TREE,  OR  WHITE  WOOD. 

^         Liriodendrum  TuUphfera, 

The  bark  of  this  noble  tree,  as  well  as  the  root,  is  a 
very  strong  bitter,  and  considerably  aromatic. 

In  intermittents,  in  the  last  stage  of  dysentery,  and 
other  diso)  ders  requiring  tojiic  medicines,  it  is  consider- 
ed hut  little  inferior  to  the  Peruvian  bark,  and  is  gene- 
rally emplo}  ed  in  similar  doses  and  forms. 

There  is  another  species  of  poplar,  the  aspen  tree, 
populus  trcmula^  the  bark  of  which,  according  to  pro- 
fessor Barton,  is  also  an  excellent  tonic  and  stomachic. 

POPPY,  WHITE. 

Papaver  Sommferum^ 

Grows  in  our  gardens,  and  yields  a  juice,  which, 
when  inspissated,  to  a  proper  consistence,  is  called 
opium. 

According  to  the  experiments  of  Dr.  S.  Ricketson, 
of  Duchess  county.  New- York,  the  opium  obtained 
from  our  poppies,  is  equal,  if  not  superior  to  the  im- 
ported. With  respect  to  the  method  of  cultivating  the 
plant,  and  preserving  the  opium,  we  shall  insert  the 
directions  gi\en  l)y  Dr.  Ricketson. 

"  The  poppy  seeds  should  be  planted  about  the  mid- 
dle of  jViay,  in  rich  moist  ground,  an  inch  deep  and 
ten  or  twelvt  inches  apart,  and  kept  clean.  When  the 
plants  are  arrived  to  the  state  of  flowering,  on  a  sun- 
shining  day,  cutoff  the  stalks,  at  about  an  inch  distance 
from  the  flowers,  and  as  soon  as  the  juice  appears, 
which  it  does  at  first  equally  well  on  the  part  of  the 
stalks  cut  off*  with  the  flowers,  as  on  the  standing  part, 
collect  it  with  a  small  scoop,  or  penknife.  After  the 
juice  ceases  to  appear  on  the  standing  stalk,  it  should 
be  cut  off  about  an  inch  lower,  when  it  will  be  found  to 


Materia  Medica, 


581 


yield  almost  as  freely  as  before,  and  repeated  as  long 
as  any  juice  appears.  The  juice,  when  collected,  should 
be  put  into  an  evaporating  pan,  placed  in  the  sun's  heat, 
and  frequently  stirred,  till  it  becomes  of  ^^consistence 
to  De  lormed  into  pills,  or  made  into  rolls  for  keeping 
and  exportation.  The  quantity  of  opium  that  may  be 
preserved,  depends  very  much  on  the  largeness  of  our 
plants,  and  the  care  used  in  collecting  it.  From  one  pop- 
py plant,  1  have  obtained  seven  grains  of  opium.  If  any 
would  choosf  to  have  the  opium  freed  from  its  impuri- 
ties, it  may  be  easil\  done,  by  pressing  the  juice  before  it 
is  inhj)issattd,  through  a  iiuen  strainer;  but  if  pains  be  ta- 
ken, according  to  the  foregoing  directions,  I  believe 
there  will  be  little  or  no  occasion  for  it." 

A  'strong  decoction  of  the  dried  heads  mixed  with 
half  the  quantity  of  sugar,  or  honey,  and  formed  into  a 
syrup,  by  simmering  slowly  by  a  gentle  fire  for  an  hour, 
is  occasionally  used  in  doses  of  a  table-spoonful  in 
coughs  and  breast  complaints,  on  account  of  its  anodyne 
efiects.  Poppy  heads  are  also  used  externally  in  fomen- 
tations and  poultices,  either  alone,  or  conjoined  with 
the  leaves  of  southern  wood,  camomile  flowers,  or 
other  ingredients. 

POTATOE,  SWEET. 

Convolvulus  Batata. 

From  this  root  Bowen's  patent  sago  is  prepared, 
which  forms  a  very  nutritious  jelly,  like  arrow  root,  and 
is  prepared  in  the  same  manner;  to  which  the  reader  is 
referred. 

The  process  generally  used  for  procuring  the  powder 
of  the  sweet  potatoe,  is  to  grate  the  clean  roots,  wash 
the  mass  through  brass  sieves  of  different  sizes,  and  col- 
lect the  flour  at  the  bottom  of  the  vessel  which  receives 
the  fluid;  finally,  dry  it  in  pans  either  by  the  fire  or  in 
the  sun. 

The  vine  of  the  sweet  potatoe,  supports  the  famous 
insect,  called  the  potatoe  fly,  which,  from  repeated  ex- 


582 


Materia  Medica. 


periments,  is  found  fully  equal  in  all  respects  to  the 
best  Spanish  flies.  The  potatoe  flies  generally  make 
their  appearance  about  the  last  of  July  or  first  of  Au- 
gust, and  may  be  collected  in  great  abundance  morning 
and  evening,  by  shaking  them  from  the  leaves  in  a  ves- 
sel of  hot  water,  and  afterwards  drying  them  in  the  sun. 
These  insects  will  also  feed  upon  tlie  vine  of  the  Irish 
potatoe.  As  they  can  be  procured  in  immense  quantities 
annually,  with  but  little  trouble,  every  family  should 
carefully  collect  them. 

POTATOE,  WILD. 

Convolvulus  Panduratus^ 

Grows  in  low  grounds  and  sandy  soils,  near  running 
water.  It  trails  along  the  ground  several  feet,  much 
like  a  grape  vine;  the  root  very  large,  hard,  and  white, 
running  very  deep  in  the  earth;  the  leaves  triangular, 
the  flowers  are  whitish  with  a  purple  tinge,  and  bell- 
shaped.  It  is  called  wild  rhubarb,  and  from  the  article 
whose  name  it  bears,  is  employed  as  a  purgative  in  doses 
from  a  tea  to  a  table-spoonful  of  the  powdered  root. 
Professor  Barton  says,  the  root  in  powder  or  decoction 
has  been  much  recommended  in  Virginia,  and  other 
parts  of  the  United  States,  in  cases  of  gravel.  The  de- 
coction is  prepared  by  boiling  slowly  a  handful  of  the 
root  sliced  or  bruised  in  three  pints  of  water  to  a  quart, 
of  which,  in  gravel  complaints,  a  tea-cupful  may  be 
taken  four  or  five  times  a  day. 

PRICKLY  ASH, 

and 

PRICKLY  YELLOW  WOOD. 

Zanthoxylum^ 

Possess  the  same  virtues.  Both  species  arc  covered 
with  numerous  prickles,  whence  the  name.  Both  the 


Materia  Medica, 


bark  and  berry  are  of  a  hot  acrid  taste,  and  when  chew- 
ed, powerfully  promote  spittle.  It  is  used  in  this  way 
to  cure  the  tooth-ach,  as  well  as  by  putting  some  with- 
in the  hollow,  also  to  cure  the  palsy  of  the  tongue. 

A  decoction,  or  infusion  of  the  bark  of  the  root,  a 
small  handful  to  a  quart  of  boiling  water,  in  doses  of 
half  a  pint  three  or  four  times  a  day,  has  long  been  em- 
ployed with  great  success  in  chronic  rheumatism,  para- 
lytic affections,  and  venereal  disease.  There  is  no  me- 
dicine which  I  have  found  so  effectual  in  relieving  noc- 
turnal pahis,  and  disposing  venereal  ulcers  to  heal,  as  the 
prickly  ash  in  the  above  form  and  doses. 

A  tincture,  prepared  by  steeping  half  a  pint  of  the 
berries,  or  a  handful  of  the  bark,  in  a  bottle  of  spirits, 
is  much  esteemed  as  a  remedy  in  doses  of  a  wine-glass- 
ful in  flatulent  colics.  It  is  sometimes  employed  in  thi# 
form,  in  cold  phlegmatic  habits,  afflicted  with  the  rheu- 
matisro. 

PRICKLY  PEAR, 

Grows  on  sandy  lands,  and  rocky  places. 

A  large  handful  of  the  pear  cut  in  slices,  boiled  in  a 
quart  of  milk,  and  taken  in  doses  of  a  gill  every  morn- 
ing, is  reputed  to  be  of  great  benefit  in  scurvy,  dropsy, 
cancers,  and  cutaneous  eruptions;  and  that  the  inner  soft 
mucilage  of  the  pear,  while  green,  on  a  rag,  to  ulcers 
morning  and  night,  is  very  efiicacious.  It  is  also  said 
that  a  fresh  piece  of  the  inner  side  of  the  pear,  applied 
twice  a  day  to  corns,  after  soaking  the  feet  in  warm 
water,  and  paring  off  the  horny  part,  will  in  a  few  days 
perform  a  cure. 

*  PRIDE  OF  INDIA,  OR  CHINA. 

Melia  Azedarach^ 

Is  now  completely  naturalized  to  the  southern  states^ 
The  public  walk  and  streets  of  Savannah  and  Augusta, 
arc  ornamented  by  rows  of  this  tree,  a  mile  long,  which 


584 


Materia  Medica. 


furnish  a  most  delightful  shade  against  the  scorchin 
sun,  and  adds  not  less  to  the  healthiness  than  to  the 
beauty  of  these  cities.  Independent  of  its  luxuriant  ver- 
dure, and  cooling  shade,  it  is  highly  valuable  for  its 
medicinal  properties,  being  now  ascertained  to  be  one 
the  best  vermifuges  in  nature. 

Many  physicians  in  the  southern  states,  have  witness- 
ed its  remarkable  effects  in  destroying  and  di.slodging 
worms.  It  has  been  even  found  a  remedy  against  the 
tape-worm. 

I  have  not  myself  made  use  of  this  medicine,  possibly 
because  of  having  witnessed  the  deleterious  effects  of 
the  berries  on  some  pigs  and  a  parrot. 

In  the  fall  of  the  year  1795,  at  a  country  seat  which 
I  then  owned,  in  Lancaster  County,  Virginia,  a  sow  with 
eight  or  ten  pigs  came  into  the  yard  where  I  had  seve- 
ral trees  of  the  Pride  of  China,  and  observing  the  pigs 
to  eat  with  avidity  the  berries,  which  were  dropped  on 
the  ground,  I  had  many  of  them  thrown  from  the  tree, 
and  in  a  few  hours  all  the  pigs  were  seized  with  the 
common  symptoms  of  inebriation,  and  died.  The  sow 
did  not  appear  lo  be  the  least  affected,  although  she 
also  ate  of  them.  The  death  of  the  pigs  would  not  have 
operated  so  strongly  on  my  mind,  had  it  not  been  for  a 
parrot,  which  not  long  after  fell  a  victim  to  those  ber- 
ries. This  enchanting  bird,  which  spoke  many  words 
as  plainly  as  a  human  person,  and  which  for  several 
years  had  been  a  pet  in  the  family  of  Dr.  Andrew 
Robertson,  the  father  of  Mrs.  E****,  had  not  long 
arrived  at  its  new  home,  before  it  was  tempted  to  eat  of 
the  fruit  of  this  tree.  A  gentleman  who  was  not  appri- 
zed of  the  deleterious  properties  of  this  berry,  presented 
the  much-admired  Poll  with  one  of  them,  which  she 
soon  ate,  and  relished  so  well,  as  loudly  to  call  out, 
give  me  some  moref^^  give  me  some  moreV  After 
consuming  several,  she  in  a  short  time  fell  into  a  state 
of  stupefaction,  followed  by  a  violent  purging,  which 
soon  terminated  her  existence. 

The  common  modes  of  using  this  medicine,  are  the 
infusion  or  tea,  and  saturated  decoction.  Of  the  former 


Materia  Materia, 


585 


a  handful  of  the  bark  to  a  quart  of  boiling  M'ater, 
is  j^i  ven  in  doses  of  a  small  tea-cupful  morning  and  night. 
The  decoction  is  made  by  boiling  a  large  handful  ot  the 
fresh  bark  of  the  root  in  three  pints  of  water  to  a  quart, 
which  IS  given  to  children  in  doses  from  a  half  to  a 
whole  wine-glassful.  Dr.  Koilock,  of  Savannah,  observes, 
when  exhibited  in  the  latter  form,  every  three  hours, 
until  it  operates,  he  has  found  it  beneficial  as  a  febrifuge 
in  those  affections  usudlly  denominated  worm  fevers, 
but  where  no  worms  are  voided.  The  pulp  w  hich  in- 
vests the  stone  of  the  fruit,  pounded  with  tallow,  has 
been  successfully  employed  in  cases  of  scald  head. 
Would  not  an  ointment  prepared  by  slowly  simmering 
the  root  in  hog's  lard,  be  found  also  an  excellent  appli- 
cation to  that  loathsome  disease,  also  to  tetter  worms 
and  ulcere? 

PUCCOON.  See  Blood  Root. 

QUEEN  OF  THE  MEADOWS, 

Grows  in  hedges,  and  on  the  sides  of  meadows,  about 
four  feet  high;  the  stalk  reddish,  leaves  long,  spear- 
shaped,  and  opposite  each  other;  flowers  purple. 

A  large  handful  of  the  roots  boiled  in  three  pints  of 
water  to  a  quart,  and  given  in  doses  of  a  tea-cupful 
every  two  hours,  is  said  to  be  an  excellent  remedy  in 
suppression  of  urine,  and  carrying  of  the  water  in  drop- 
sy. 

QUINCE  TREE. 

Pyrus  Cydonia, 

The  liquor  expressed  from  the  ripe  quince,  also  the 
syrup,  has  frequently  been  given  with  great  success  in 
nausea,  vomiting,  and  fluxes. 

The  juice  of  the  quince  with  sugar,  a  gallon  of  one 
to  two  pounds  of  the  other,  is  said  to  make  a  most  de- 
lightful wine.  The  ripe  fruit  sliced  and  steeped  in 

4E 


586 


Materia  Medica. 


French  brandy  or  spirits,  with  a  little  supjar,  or  equal 
parts  of  the  juice  and  spirits  sweetened,  forms  an  ad- 
mirable cordial  and  stomachic.  The  quince  makes  also 
a  nice  preserve,  and  the  seeds  a  fine  mucilage,  which 
with  sugar  and  nutmeg,  is  an  excellent  drink  in  dysen- 
tery. 

RADISH.  ;1 

Raphanm'^  ■ 

Is  esteemed  as  an  antiscorbutic,  particularly  if  eaten 
with  the  skin.  When  old,  or  after  having  been  kept 
some  time,  they  oui^ht  to  be  avoided,  especially  by  per- 
soiis  of  weak  stomachs,  as  apt  to  create  indigestion  and 
colic,  and  to  render  the  breath  disagreeable. 

RASBERRY. 

Idaus^ 

Like  the  rest  of  the  rich  subacid  fruit,  when  ripe,  are 
wholesome  and  nourishing.  Rasberries,  as  well  as  straw- 
berries, held  in  the  mouth,  will  dissolve  tartarous  con- 
cretions formed  on  the  teeth. 

RATTLE,  OR  SENEKA  SNAKE  ROOT. 

Polygala  Senega^ 

Grows  nearly  a  foot  high,  the  leaves  pointed,  and 
somewhat  oval;  the  stalks  upright,  and  branched,  the 
flowers  white,  the  root  variously  bent  and  joined,  whence 
it  is  supposed  to  resenible  the  tail  of  the  animal  whose 
name  it  bears. 

In  violent  colds,  croup,  pleurisy,  acute  rheumatism, 
and  all  inflammatory  oompkiints,  1  can  recommend  it 
as  an  admirable  mtdiciue  to  promote  perspiration.  The 


Materia  Medica, 


587 


best  form  of  using  it  is  in  decoction,  a  handful  to  a  quart 
of  boiling  water,  a  wine-glassful  to  adiilts,  ever\  tu  o  or 
!  three  hours,  increasing  or  lessening  the  quantity  to 
avoid  vomiting  and  purging. 

My  sagacious  friend,  professor  Chapman,  recom- 
mends it  very  highly  in  obstructions  of  the  menses,  four 
ounces  of  the  decoction  to  be  taken  in  the  course  of 
the  day,  im  reabing  the  quantity  when  the  menstrual 
effort  is  expired,  as  far  as  the  stomach  will  allow.  If 
this  excite  nausea,  aromatics  are  to  be  added,  as  cin- 
namon, calamus  and  angelica. 

Dr.  Archer,  of  Hartford  county,  Maryland,  was 
among  the  first  who  noticed  the  efficacy  of  this  medicine 
in  cases  of  croup,  or  hives. 

He  directs  a  tea-spoonful  of  the  strong  decoction  to 
be  given  to  a  child  every  half  hour,  or  hour,  as  the 
u.  gency  of  the  s\  mptoms  may  demand,  and  during  the 
intervals  a  few  drops  occasionally,  until  it  acts  as  an 
emetic  or  cathartic;  then  repeated  in  small  quantities,  to 
keep  up  a  constant  stmiulus  in  the  mouth  and  throat. 
Patients  who  use  this  medicine,  should  not  be  permit- 
ted to  drink  any  thing  whatever  for  some  time  after 
each  dose.  He  has  also  employed  it  in  the  form  of  pow- 
der in  doses  of  four  to  five  grains,  mixed  with  a  little 
water. 

Professor  Barton,  with  his  usual  candour  and  libe- 
rality, observes,  "  I  am  persuaded  that  the  Seneka  is 
a  very  important  medicine  in  the  treatment  of  this  com- 
mon, and  too  frequently  unmanageable  disease;  and 
praise,  is  in  my  opinion,  due  to  Dr.  Archer  for  his  im- 
portant discovery,  for  such  I  cannot  but  deem  it.  That 
the  Seneka  is  a  specific  or  certain  remedy  for  the  cure 
of  croup,  1  do  not  believe;  but  from  my  own  experi- 
ence, I  am  led  to  repose  more  confidence  in  the  use  of 
this  medicine  than  in  any  other.  I  have  made  use  of  a 
very  strong  decoction  of  the  root.  I  have  always 
given  it  in  large  quantities.  It  appears  to  be  chiefly 
beneficial  when  it  occasions  an  expectoration  of  mucus, 
and  when  it  proves  emetic.  It  is  also  very  useful  by 
virtue  of  its  purgative  quality.  But  I  have  known  it 


588 


Materia  Medica, 


occasion  very  plentiful  stools,  without  benefiting  the 
patient.  Indeed,  in  the  exhibition  of  Seneka,  I  would;] 
rather  wibh  to  guard  against  large  purgings.  I  have  11 
sometimes  treated   my  patients  almost  entirely  vvithT| 
Seneka.  Even  in  such  cases  I  have  perceived  mostl 
unequivocal  good  efftcts  from  it.  But  I  have  more 
generally  given  along  with  the  Stneka,  calomel,  and 
sometimes  calomel  combined  with  ipecacuanha.  1  have 
not  omitted  the  employment  of  the  lancei,  though  thisa 
in  man)  cases  of  croup  is  noi  absolutely  necessary,  and! 
the  use  of  blisters  or  sinapisms  applied  near  the  seat  ofl 
the  disease.  I  am  happy  to  close  this  short  notice  by« 
observing,  that  several  respectable  physicians  in  Phila-! 
dtlphia,  inform  me  that  they  have  used  the  Seneka  wiih* 
much  advantage  in  the  disease  in  question." 

Along  with  its  emetic,  cathartic,  expectorant  and 
diaphoretic  qtialities,  the  Seneka  possesses  a  diuretic 
power,  and  hence  has  been  found  useful  in  cases  of. 
dropsies.  It  likewise  acts  upon  the  salivary  glands.  In 
the  prevailing  epidemic  I  have  found  a  decoction  of  this 
velvet  able,  taken  freely  at  the  commencement  of  the  dis- 
ease, a  medicine  of  great  utility. 

RATTLE  SNAKE  VIOLET.  See  Violet. 

RHUBARB,  WILD.  See  Potatoe,  mid. 

ROSE. 
Rosa. 

The  hundred-leaved,  or  damask  rose,  is  justly  term- 
ed the  queen  of  flowers.  Ottar,  or  essence  of  roses,  is 
obtained  from  these  by  distillation,  and  is  doubtless  the 
most  elegant  perfume  in  vegetable  nature.  Independent 
of  their  use  in  this  manner,  a  decoction  of  its  leaves 
will  be  found  a  mild  laxative,  and,  when  formed  into 
a  syrup,  may  be  given  with  advantage  to  children.  The 
conserve  of  roses  is  also  prepared  from  them  for  medi* 
cal  purposes. 


Materia  Medica. 


589 


ROSE  WILLOW. 

Salix^ 

Grows  near  brooks,  alonp;  the  banks  of  rivers,  and 
on  the  borders  of  meadows.  It  is  about  the  size  of  an 
ap|/le  tree,  and  covered  with  a  grayish-coloured  bark, 
and  very  red  within,  with  a  bunch  in  the  top  resenibling 
a  bunch  of  roses. 

Four  ounces,  or  a  large  handful  of  the  bark,  boiled 
in  three  pints  of  water  to  a  quart,  and  taken  in  doses 
of  a  tea-cupful  three  or  four  times  a  day,  is  said  to  be 
an  excellent  remedy  in  cases  of  gleet,  the  whites,  im- 
moderate tlowing  oithe  menses,  and  m  cutaneous  erup- 
tions. 

RUE. 

Ruta, 

Has  an  ungrateful  smell,  and  a  pungent,  bitter  taste. 
The  leaves  are  acrid,  and  when  applied  to  the  skin  are 
apt  to  produce  blisters.  Employed  in  the  form  of  tea, 
the\  are  reputed  to  be  of  great  service  to  persons  of  cold 
phlegmatic  habits.  According  to  Boerhaave,  an  infusion 
of  the  leaves  powerfully  promotes  perspiration,  quickens 
the  circulation,  removes  obstructions,  and  is  particularly 
adapted  to  weak  and  hysterical  constitutions,  suffering 
from  retarded,  or  obstructed  secretions. 

SAGE. 

Salvia. 

An  infusion  of  the  leaves,  or  tea,  is  considered  ser- 
viceable to  persons  of  cold  phlegmatic  habits,  labourmg 
under  nervous  debility.  Sweetened,  with  the  addition 


590 


Materia  Medica. 


of  a  little  lemon  juice,  it  forms  an  exceedingly  gratefu 
and  useful  drink,  in  febrile  disorders. 

Sage  was  supposed  by  the  ancients  to  possess 
virtue  of  prolonging  human  life;  hence  the  follo.vin 
verse:  Cur  moriatur  homo,  cui  salvia  crescit  in  hoito? 
How  can  a  man  die,  in  whose  gardtn  there  grows  sage 
in  allusion  to  its  many  virtues.  Wiiat  a  shameful  abu 
of  this  pretended  property  was  made  by  the  late  sir  Joh 
Hill,  in  his  patent  tincture  of  sa^^e,  for  the  prolongin 
of  human  life,  and  warding  olF  old  age,  is  known 
every  one.  This  conduct  could  not  fail  to  draw  uj)o 
himself  the  pen  of  the  wits  of  the  age;  and  Garrick, 
with  Thomson,  conjointly,  published  the  following 
epigram: 

Thou  essence  of  dock,  valerian  and  sage, 

At  once  the  disgrace  and  f>est  of  the  age. 

The  worst  that  we  wish  thee  for  all  thy  bad  crimes. 

Is  to  take  diy  own  physic,  and  read  ihy  own  rhymes. 

Dr.  Hill  made  the  following  reply: 

Ye  desperate  junto,  ye  great,  or  ye  small, 

Who  combat  dukes,  docti^r^  the  deuce,  and  them  all, 

Whether  gentleman,  scribbleP^or  poets  in  jail, 

Your  impertnient  curses  shall  n«ver  prevail; 

rU  cake  neither  sage,  dock,  nor  hjalsam  of  honey; 

Do  you  take  the  physic,  and  Pif  take  the  money. 

Such  shameless  imposition  on  common  sense,  de- 
serves something  worse  than  ridicule;  for  deceiving  the 
sick  and  helpless,  they  merit  the  execrations  ol  every 
man  who  has  one  spark  of  humanity, 

SAMSON  SNAKE  ROOT, 

Grows  from  six  to  twelve  inches  on  dry  land,  and 
bears  on  the  top  two  or  three  pale  blue  flowers;  leaves 


Materia  Medico, 


591 


opposite,  sword-shaptd;  the  root  matted,  variously  bent, 
.and  has  an  ai^recable  bnur  tjste. 

Upon  the  respectable  authority  of  the  honourable 
I  Wm.  Mayrant,  of  ^outh  Carolina,  the  root  of  this  plant 
r  posses»ses  in  a  very  great  degree  tonic  powers.  He  stated 
I  to  me,  that  being  himself  reduced  to  a  mere  skeleton 
;  by  dyspepsia,  or  uidigestion,  and  having  tried  the  usual 
remedies  employed  in  such  cases  without  receiving  any 
(  benefit,  he  was  at  length  induced,  as  his  last  hope,  to 
I  try  the  virtue  of  this  j)lant,  which  had  been  recommend- 
I  ed  to  him  by  a  negro  man.  He  was  directed  to  steep  a 
i  handtul  of  the  root  in  a  b  ntle  of  spirits,  of  which  he 
;  Avas  to  take  half  a  wine-glassful  diluted  with  water  three 
times  a  day;  and  such  wa^  the  astonishing  effect  wrought 
I  b)  this  medicine,  that  in  a  few  weeks  his  health  was 
perfectly  reinstated.  On  his  way  to  congress  last  fall, 
he  discovered  the  plant  to  grow  near  Fredericksburg, 
Virginia,  and  collected  some  of  it  to  exhibit  in  Wash- 
ington. Several  persons  in  delicate  health,  and  troubled 
with  dyspepsia,  were  readily  persuaded,  from  the  re- 
commendations of  colonel  Mayrant,  to  make  use  of  his 
favourite  remedy,  and  not  without  receiving  conside- 
rable benefit.  Among  these  were  three  ladies  of  the 
first  distinction;  I  mean  the  amiable  ladies  of  the  ho- 
nourable P.  P.  Barbour,  Aylett  Hawes,  and  Thomas 
Gholson.  Such  testimony  cannot  fail  to  excite  those 
who  may  be  afflirted  in  a  similar  manner,  to  make  use 
of  a  remedy  which  promises  to  be  a  valuable  acquisi- 
tion to  our  Materia  M(  dica. 

It  may  be  taken  in  the  form  of  powder,  tincture,  or 
decoction. 

SANICLE,  AMERICAN.  See  Jlum  Hoot. 
SARSAPARILLA. 

Smilax  Sarsaparillaj 

Grows  in  several  parts  of  the  United  States.  It  is  a 
small  vine,  resembling  a  bramble. 


592 


Materia  Medica, 


A  decoction  of  sarsaparilla,  prepared  by  boiling  a 
largt  hanehui  of  the  root  in  a  quart  of  water,  till  the 
third  part  be  evaporated,  has  long  been  employed  as 
an  auxiliary  to  mercury,  in  the  treatment  of  venereal 
compldints.  It  promotes  perspiration,  attenuates  viscid 
humours,  relieves  venereal  head-ach,  nocturnal  pains, 
and  disposes  venereal  ulcers  to  heal.  In  rheuniatic  af- 
fections, cutaneous  disorders,  and  scrofula,  it  is  a  vtry 
useful  medicine.  It  may  also  be  exhibited  in  the  form 
of  powder  in  doses  of  two  drachms,  or  e  xtract  in  doses 
of  one  drachm,  three  or  four  times  a-day. 

SASSAFRAS. 

Laurus  Sassafras* 

An  infusion,  or  tea  of  the  flowers,  or  bark  of  the  root, 
has  oficn  been  successfully  given  as  a  sweetener  or  pu- 
rifier of  the  blood,  in  scorbutic,  venereal,  and  cutane- 
ous disorders,  or  where  an  acrimony  of  the  fluids  pre- 
vails. Conjoi'ied  with  the  bark  of  dog-wood,  cherry- 
tree,  or  oak,  it  is  very  useful  in  obstinate  intermittents. 
The  oil,  externally  applied,  in  the  chronic  rheumatism, 
and  also  in  wens,  has  oftentimes  proved  salutary.  The 
pith  of  the  small  twigs,  in  water,  iorms  a  mucilage  of 
excellent  use  for  sore  eyes,  and  as  an  injection  in  the 
incipient  stage  of  gonorrhoea.  It  also  affords,  when 
sweetened,  vi^ith  the  addition  of  nutmeg,  a  palatable  jelly, 
useful  in  dysentery  and  febrile  diseases. 

SCULL  CAP,  BLUE.  See  Hoo'ded  Widow  Herb. 
SCURVY  GRASS. 

Cochleara  Officinalis^ 

Is  a  pungent  stimulating  plant,  and  in  the  simple 
state  of  a  salad,  or  in  the  Ibrm  of  expressed  juice,  a 


Materia  Medica, 


593 


wine-^lassful  three  times  a  day,  has  lon^  been  esteemed 
one  of  the  best  of  all  the  antiscorbutic  plants. 

SENNA,  AMERICAN. 

Cassia  Marilandica^ 

Is  easily  cultivated  from  the  seeds,  and  ought  to  be 
more  generally  introduced  into  our  gardens. 

It  has  long  been  employed  as  a  purgative.  To  increase 
its  effects  on  the  bowels,  manna,  salts,  or  tamarinds  are 
generally  added.  To  correct  its  ill  flavour,  and  prevent 
griping,  it  should  be  joined  with  some  aromatics,  as  co- 
riander or  fennel  seed,  ginger,  &c.  In  the  form  of  decoc- 
tion, a  handful  to  a  pint  of  boiling  water,  ihe  dose  is  a 
tea-cupful  every  hour  or  two,  until  it  operates.  It  may 
also  be  exhibited  in  the  form  of  tincture,  to  relieve  flatu- 
lent colics,  four  ounces  of  senna  to  a  quart  of  spirits, 
with  an  ounce  of  coriander  seed,  or  ginger,  and  a  wine- 
glassful  the  dose. 

SKOKE.  See  Thorn  Apple. 

SKUNK  CABBAGE. 
Draconitum  Fwtidum^ 

Abounds  in  swamps  and  meadows,  and  emits  a  dis- 
agreeable  smell,  nearly  resembling  that  of  a  skunk  or 
pole-cat,  and  from  this,  and  its  leaves  resembling  those 
of  a  cabbage,  it  has  acquired  its  name. 

The  roots  dried  and  powdered,  have  proved  of  ex- 
cellent use  in  asthmatic  cases,  and  often  afforded  relief 
in  this  distressing  disease,  when  other  means  were  in- 
effectual. It  should  be  exhibited  during  the  paroxysm, 
and  repeated  as  circumstances  may  require,  in  doses  of 
thirty  or  forty  grains.  It  will  be  proper  to  persevere 

4  F 


594 


Materia  Medica, 


in  the  use  of  it  for  some  time  after  the  paroxysm  has 
gone  off,  until  the  patient  has  perfectly  recovered. 

Dr.  Cutler  has  celebrated  its  efficacy  in  his  own  case 
of  asthma,  after  other  medicines  had  failed.  In  one  of 
the  most  violent  asthmatic  cases,  two  tea-spoonfuls  of 
the  powdered  root  in  spirits,  procured  immediate  relief, 
and  on  repeating  the  trials  with  the  same  patient,  it  af- 
forded more  lasting  benefit  than  any  other  medicine.  In 
childbed  it  produces  the  desired  effect,  in  doses  of  a  tea- 
spoonful  repeated  occasionally.  In  numerous  other  in- 
stances of  spasm,  and  also  in  chronic  and  acute  rheu- 
matism, and  dropsy,  in  powder  or  decoction,  it  has  per- 
formed important  cures.  The  seeds  possess  the  same 
virtues  with  the  root. 

Dr.  Cutler  vehemently  cautions,  that,  in  collecting 
the  roots,  the  white  hellebore,  or  poke  root,  which  some 
people  call  skunk  weed,  be  not  mistaken  for  this  plant, 
as  the  consequence  might  be  fatal.  There  is  an  obvious 
difference:  the  hellebore  has  a  stalk,  but  the  skunk  cab- 
bage has  none,  and  the  roots  of  the  latter  are  much  lar- 
ger than  those  of  the  former. 

SOAPWORT. 

Saponaria  Officinalis^ 

Grows  in  moist  swamps  and  meadows,  particularly  on 
the  Ohio  river,  where  it  is  used  as  a  substitute  for  soap. 
It  rises  about  a  foot  high,  the  leaves  are  pointed,  and 
furnished  with  three  ribs,  the  flowers  numerous,  large, 
and  of  a  pale  pink  colour. 

A  handful  of  this  plant  boiled  in  three  pints  of  water 
to  a  quart,  in  doses  of  half  a  pint,  three  or  four  times  a 
day,  has  been  found  useful  in  the  jaundice,  obstructions 
of  the  liver,  and  the  venereal  disease. 


Materia  Medica. 


595 


SORREL. 

Oxalis  Acetosella^ 

Called  also  sour  trefoil,  or  cuckow  bread.  Yields, 
on  expression,  a  grateful  acid  juice,  which  has  been 
beneficially  used  in  the  scurvy,  and  scorljutic  eruptions. 
An  infusion  of  the  leaves  makes  a  palatable  diet  drink 
in  fevers,  and  on  being  boiled  in  milk,  forms  an  agree- 
able whey.  A  conserve  made  of  the  leaves,  with  double 
their  weight  of  loaf  sugar,  forms  an  excellent  substitute 
for  lemons,  and  may  be  given  with  advantage,  in  all 
putrid  and  other  fevers,  where  antiseptics  are  indica- 
ted. The  leaves  bruised,  and  externally  aj)plied  to 
scrofulous  ulcers,  have  produced  excellent  effects,  by 
promoting  suppuration  and  granulation. 

SOUTHERN  WOOD.  Sec  Mugwort. 

SOUTH  SEA  TEA,  OR  YAUPON. 

Alex  Vo7nitona^ 

Grows  abundantly  in  the  southern  states.  It  rises 
about  twelve  feet  high,  shooting  into  many  upright  slen- 
der stiff  branches,  covered  with  whitish  smooth  bark; 
the  leaves  small,  ever-green,  and  saw-edged;  the  flow- 
ers small  and  white,  and  grow  promiscuously  among 
the  leaves,  succeeded  by  small  berries,  which  become 
red  in  October,  and  remain  so  all  the  winter. 

It  is  held  in  great  esteem  among  the  southern  Indians. 
They  toast  the  leaves,  and  make  a  decoction  of  them, 
which  is  called  black  drink. 

An  infusion,  or  tea  of  the  leaves,  is  considered  as  pala- 
table as  bohea  tea,  and  when  used  freely,  is  a  powerful 
diuretic,  and  hence  of  service  in  the  cure  of  dropsy  and 
suppression  of  urine. 


596 


Materia  Medica, 


SPIKENARD. 

Aralia  Racemosa^ 

Grows  in  low  rich  grounds  and  among  rocks,  to  the 
height  of  three  or  four  feet;  the  leaves  are  many,  on  long 
branches,  from  a  thick  purplish  stalk,  flowers  very  small, 
of  a  bluish  colour,  producing  berries  much  resembling 
those  of  the  ejder,  of  a  sweetish  pleasant  aromatic  taste. 
The  roots  are  very  long,  about  the  thickness  of  a  fin- 

A  pint  of  the  berries  steeped  in  a  quart  of  spirits,  in 
dose  of  a  wine-glassful,  is  said  to  be  a  speedy  cure  for 
the  gout  in  the  stomach.  The  roots  in  the  form  of  in- 
fusion, a  handful  to  a  quart  of  water,  and  given  in  doses 
of  a  tea  cupful  three  or  four  times  a  day,  have  been 
found  efficacious  in  gouty  complaints.  The  fresh  root 
applied  in  the  form  of  poultice,  is  said  to  be  excellent 
for  wounds  or  ulcers. 

SPLEENVVORT.  See  Maiden  Hair. 
SPRUCE  LAUREL.  See  Mezereon. 

SQUIRREL  EAR,  OR  EDGE  LEAF. 

I  am  indebted*  to  my  much-esteemed  friend,  the  ho- 
nourable Paul  Hamilton,  for  the  description  and  virtues 
of  this  plant. 

Produced  on  barren  pine  land,  in  Carolina  and  Geor- 
gia, is  a  species  of  sage,  and  very  efficacious  as  an  an- 
tidote to  the  poison  of  the  snake  bite.  It  is  known  by 
the  remarkable  characteristic  which  forms  its  name.  The 
leaf,  instead  of  presenting  its  surface  to  the  sun,  pre- 
sents its  edge,  and  is  in  colour  and  shape,  very 
much  like  the  ear  of  a  squirrel,  although  larger;  the 


\ 


Materia  Medica.  597 

stalk  never  rises  beyond  three  feet,  and  its  leaves  are 
alternate  and  transverse. 

A  wine-glasslul  of  the  juice  of  this  plant  has  been 
known  to  rescue  from  death  persons  bitten  by  the  rattle 
snake,  who  were  so  far  gone,  as  to  be  incapable  of 
speaking.  The  flower  of  this  plant  is  white  and  fuzzy, 
and  appears  in  every  warm  month  in  the  year;  the 
smt- II  that  of  mellilot,  with  a  slight  tincture  of  the  aro- 
matic. 

STINK  WEED.  See  Thorn  Apple. 

STRAWBERRY. 
Fragaria, 

The  fruit  of  this  plant  is  delicious,  and  being  of  a 
cooling  and  laxative  nature,  may  be  considered  as  me- 
dicinal. If  freely  eaten  they  impart  their  peculiar  fra- 
grance to  the  urine,  and  when  retained  in  the  mouth 
for  some  time,  dissolve  tartareous  concretions  on  the 
teeth.  They  are  of  great  service  in  cases  of  scurvy, 
and,  according  to  Linnaeus,  a  copious  use  of  them  has 
proved  a  certain  preventive  of  the  stone  in  the  kidnies. 
An  infusion  of  strawberry  leaves,  while  young  and 
tender,  makes  excellent  tea;  but  for  such  purpose  they 
ought  to  be  dried  in  the  shade,  being  slightly  bitterish 
and  styptic.  They  have  been  used  with  advantage  in 
laxity  and  debility  of  the  intestines,*  as  likewise  in  he- 
morrhages and  other  fluxes.  Lastly,  they  are  of  con- 
siderable service  as  aperients,  in  suppressions  of  urine, 
visceral  obstructions,  and  jaundice. 

SUMACH,  COMMON. 

Rhus  Copallinum,  , 

The  berries  or  seeds,  when  ripe,  are  red  and  very 
acid.  An  infusion  of  them,  sweetened  with  honey,  is  a 
good  gargle  for  the  sore  throat,  and  for  cleansing  the 
mouth  in  putrid  fevers. 


598 


Materia  Medica. 


Mr.  Jesse  Torrey,  who  contemplates  establishing  a 
botanic  garden  in  the  vicinity  of  \V ashington  city,  says, 
he  considers  the  ba:  k  of  the  root  of  sumach  to  be  one 
of  the  best  antiseptics  produced  by  vegetation.  Corro- 
ding ulcers,  defyini^  every  common  application,  imme- 
diately began  to  heal  by  washing  them  with  a  strong 
decoction,  and  applying  the  boikd  bark  as  a  poultice. 
He  says  it  is  a  very  important  material  in  decoctions 
for  hectic  and  scrofulous  diseases.  Sumach  constitutes 
one  of  the  ingredients  of  the  following  recipe,  which 
was  handed  to  me  by  a  gentleman  of  the  first  respecta- 
bility and  veracity,  as  a  remedy  for  the  venereal  disease. 

Of  the  inner  bark  of  pine  and  swamp  elm,  and  the 
bark  of  the  root  of  sumach,  take  each  one  pound,  boil 
them  in  a  gallon  of  water  to  three  quarts,  drink  half  a 
pint  three  times  a  day;  if  costiveness  be  produced,  a 
dose  of  salts  may  be  used.  If  there  be  ulcers,  they  are 
to  be  washed  with  the  decoction  made  warm.  The 
detergent  effects  will  appear  in  a  very  short  time.  Ab- 
stinence from  too  much  stimulants  will  accelerate  the 
cure.  This  remedy  is  one  of  Heaven's  best  mercies  to 
offending  man,  and  instances  can  be  produced  of  the 
effects  of  it,  which  would  stagger  credulity.  Mercury, 
and  nitric  acid,  have  failed,  but  this  has  never  been 
knovrn  to  fail  when  properly  applied.  It  is,  moreover, 
a  fine  application  in  dysenteric  affections. 

SUNDEW. 

.  Ros  Soils  ^ 

Called  also  red  root,  or  youthwort.  Grows  in  mossy 
bogs,  flowering  in  July  and  August. 

The  whole  of  this  singular  plant  is  acrid,  and  its 
juice  sufficiently  caustic  to  corrode  corns  and  warts.  It 
is  said  the  juice,  properly  mixed  with  milk,  and  applied 
to  the  skin,  will  remove  freckles  and  sun-burns. 


Materia  Medica. 


599 


SWALLOW  WORT.  See  Pleurisy  Root. 

\  TANSY. 
«  Tanacetum  Vulgare. 

This  plant  possesses  a  warm  bitter  taste,  and  may  be 
used  as  a  substitute  for  hops.  An  infusion  of  the  leaves 
is  recommended  for  a  weak  stomach,  hysteric  comp- 
plaints,  and  obstructed  menses. 

According  to  Dr.  Withering,  its  seeds  are  an  excel- 
le,nt  vermifuge,  in  doses  from  a  scruple  to  a  drachm, 
and  that  if  animal  substance  be  rubbed  with  the  herb, 
it  will  be  effectually  preserved  from  the  attack  of  the 
flesh  fly. 

THORN  APPLE. 

Datura  Stramonium^ 

Has  a  variety  of  names,  as  James  Town,  or  jimson 
weed,  French  Apple,  stink  weed,  &c.  Its  common 
name,  James  Town  weed,  is  said  to  have  arisen  from 
the  circumstance  of  a  number  of  sailors  being  violently 
diseased  by  ignorantly  eating  the  boiled  plant  at  James 
Town,  in  Virginia,  at  its  first  settlement.  It  grows 
among  rubbish,  and  on  dunghills,  to  the  height  of  two 
or  three  feet,  flowers  in  July  and  August.  The  corolla 
is  funnel-shaped  and  plated  white  with  a  tinge  of  pur- 
ple. The  capsule  is  large,  egg-shaped,  and  covered 
with  thorns,  which  have  four  divisions,  and  contain  nu- 
merous kidney. shaped  seeds.  The  leaves  are  large,  egg- 
shaped,  and  deeply  indented,  of  a  disagreeable  smell, 
and  nauseous  taste. 

Every  part  of  this  plant  is  a  strong  narcotic  poison; 
nevertheless,  when  judiciously  administered,  it  is  un- 
questionably one  of  the  moet  valuable  medicines  in  our 


600 


Materia  Medica, 


possession.  Professor  Barton  considers  it  a  medicine 
of  great  and  invaluable  powers,  especially  in  cases  of 
mania,  attended  with  little  or  no  fever,  or  with  a  rold 
skin  and  languid  circulation.  The  form  in  which  he 
exhibited  it,  was  that  of  an  extract  prepared  from  the 
first  leaves,  beginning  with  a  few  grains,  and  gradu- 
ally increasing  the  dose  to  fifteen  or  twenty  grains.  In 
one  case  of  mania,  in  a  woman,  he. increased  it  to  sixty 
grains.  In  a  few  weeks  it  brought  on  an  eruption  in 
various  parts  of  the  body,  "  and  she  was  dismissed," 
he  observes,  **  from  the  hospital,  perfectly  cured."  Dr. 
Fisher  recommends  it  highly  in  those  cases  of  mania  in 
young  persons,  where  the  fits  occur  daily,  or  monthly, 
at  regular  periods,  especially  if  assisted  by  chalybtrates, 
or  such  other  medicines  as  particular  symptoms  require, 
but  advises  the  free  and  regular  use  of  it,  one  or  two 
doses  every  day.  The  most  convenient  form,  especial- 
ly for  children,  he  thinks,  is  the  saturated  tincture;  the 
requisite  dose  may  be  known  by  the  dilatation  of  the 
pupils. 

Dr.  Alexander  King,  of  Connecticut,  has  employed 
this  medicine,  in  the  form  of  decoction,  one  drachm  of 
the  seeds  bruised,  boiled  in  half  a  pint  of  water  to  a 
gill,  in  several  cases  of  inflammation  of  the  brain,  atten- 
ded with  delirium.  The  following  is  one  of  the  cases 
recited  by  the  doctor. 

A  man  of  robust  constitution,  and  sanguine  habit, 
about  26  years  of  age,  after  drinking  pretty  freely,  was 
seized  with  a  slight  paroxysm  of  the  apoplexy,  which 
was  followed  with  a  cold  fit  of  fever,  attended  with  a 
violent  pain  of  the  head,  and  delirium.  On  the  second 
day  I  found  him  delirious,  with  an  inflammation  of  the 
brain,  or  rather  the  meninges.  I  bled  him  largely,  so 
that  he  even  fainted  in  a  recumbent  posture,  which  was 
succeeded  by  another  partial  paroxysm  similar  to  the 
first.  I  put  him  on  a  course  of  medicine,  nearly  the 
same  as  prescribed  in  a  former  case.  The  next  day  I 
found  no  abatement  of  the  symptoms;  he  had  slept  none 
for  two  nights  past,  and  was  quite  outrageous.  I  then 
prescribed  for  him  a  decoction  of  the  seeds  of  the  datu- 
ra stramonium,  and  directed  the  nurse  to  give  him  a 


Materia  Medica. 


601 


^  tea-spoonfiil  every  quarter  of  an  hour.  I  found,  on 
!;  visiting  him  the  next  morning,  that  soon  after  taking 
i,  the  decoction,  he  became  calm  and  composed,  and  went 
i^lo  sleep.  I  continued  the  sauiC  medicine  through  the 
ji  course  of  the  fever,  v\hi<  h  lasttd  about  seven  days, 
;  except  one  day  in  which  I  purposely  omitted  the  use 
'  of  it,  in  order  fully  to  satisfy  myself  as  to  the  operation 
of  the  nudicine.  On  that  day  the  delirium  returned, 
\  and  he  slt^pt  none  the  night  following.  'I'he  i^ext  morn- 
i  ing  i  iuid  recourse  to  ihe  decoction  as  usual,  and  it 
produced  the  same  salutary  effects  as  before. 

In  this  case,  I  had  a  fair  opportunity  to  observe  the 
I  acti(^n  of  the  medicine,  in  an  early  stage  of  the  disease, 
!    which  was  coolmg,  anodyne,  and  sedative. 

As  a  remedy  in  epilepsy,  professor  Barton  thinks  it 
may  be  relied  on,  even  in  the  most  deplorable  cases. 
A  lady,  aged  fifty-five,  having  for  some  months  been 
afflicted  with  alarming  attacks  oKepilepsy,  by  which 
her  powers  of  intellect  and  of  articulation  were  impair- 
ed, happily  experienced  a  restoration,  by  taking  one 
grain  of  the  extract  once  in  twenty -four  hours.  Al- 
though she  did  not  suffer  another  attack,  after  com- 
mencing the  course,  she  found  it  necessary  to  continue 
it  for  several  months,  to  remove  all  apprehensions  of 
a  recurrence.  A  single  grain  seldom  failed  to  excite 
unpleasant  vertiginous  sensations,  accompanied  with 
efflorescence  of  her  face,  and  some  degree  of  sleepiness. 
In  asthma  and  spasmodic  cough,  stramonium  is  said  to 
have  proved  essentially  beneficial.  It  is  also  said  to 
have  produced  salutary  effects  in  cases  of  chronic  rheu- 
matism, and  difficult  menstruation. 

As  this  medicine  is  endued  with  most  active  powers, 
it  ought  to  be  administered  in  very  small  doses  at  first, 
and  the  quantity  gradually  increased  daily,  until  it  pro* 
duce,  in  a  slight  degree,  vertigo,  or  dilatation  of  the 
pupil. 

In  the  course  of  my  practice,  I  witnessed  the  delete- 
rious effects  of  this  plant  in  a  child,  who  was  attacked 
with  convulsions  similar  to  those  which  attend  persons 
afflicted  with  the  disease  termed  St.  Vitus's  dance,  ac- 

4G 


602  Materia  Medica.  '™ 

companied  with  delirum,  tremor,  thirst,  glaring  eyes, 
dilated  pupil,  and  considerable  efflorescence  of  the  skin. 
The  parents  were  perfectly  ignorant  of  the  cause  of  the 
child's  sudden  indisposition;  but,  from  the  symptoms,  I 
was  convinced  it  had  taken  some  of  the  stramonium, 
and  on  making  the  necessary  inquiries,  learned  it  had 
been  playing  with  some  of  the  seeds  a  few  hours  be- 
fore. Immediately  on  visiting  the  child,  I  directed  the 
warm  bath,  and  gave  it  six  or  eight  grains  of  blue  vitriol, 
which  was  repeated  at  the  interval  of  fifteen  minutes, 
before  it  excited  vomiting,  when  some  of  the  seed 
were  throw^n  up.  After  the  operation  of  the  emetic,  I 
administered  a  large  dose  of  castor  oil,  which,  assisted 
by  stimulating  injections,  produced  in  a  few  hours  some 
evacuations,  and  the  child  was  entirely  relieved  from  all 
those  distressing  symptoms.  Domestic  practitioners 
will  recollect,  that  two  or  three  grains  of  blue  vitriol  is 
a  full  dose  for  adults;  and  the  large  dose  given  in  this 
case  was  from  persuasion  that  the  child's  stomach  had 
been  deprived  of  its  sensibility,  through  the  narcotic 
effects  of  the  poisonous  seeds. 

The  extract  may  be  made  by  exposing  the  juice  of 
the  plant  to  the  heat  of  the  sun,  or  by  boiling  the  bruis- 
ed seed  or  leaves  in  water  for  the  space  of  four  hours; 
then  strain  off  the  liquor,  evaporate  over  a  gentle  fire, 
without  taking  olF  the  scum,  until  it  has  acquired  the 
thickness  of  syrup;  then  place  it  in  a  warm  oven,  in  an 
earthen  vessel,  until  it  becomes  of  a  proper  consistence 
for  use.  The  dose  is  from  one  to  two  grains,  or  more, 
for  an  adult.  The  saturated  tincture  is  prepared  by 
steeping  one  or  two  handfuls  of  the  leaves  in  a  half  pint 
of  spirits  for  a  few  days. 

The  stramonium  has  also  been  employed  externally 
with  the  most  happy  effects.  In  recent  wounds,  inflam- 
mations, or  bruises,  the  leaves,  either  alone,  or  united 
with  bread  and  milk  poultice,  have  been  applied  to  the 
part  with  manifest  advantage.  In  the  form  of  ointment, 
which  is  prepared  by  simmering  slowly  the  fresh  leaves 
bru'ised  in  hog's  lard,  with  about  one  eighth  part  of  bees- 
wax, for  an  hour,  and  then  strained  through  a  coarse 


Materia  Medic  a. 


603 


cloth,  it  will  be  found  excellent  for  the  piles,  scalds, 
and  burns.  From  my  own  observation,  it  far  excels  all 
other  applications  I  have  made,  to  obstinate  cutaneous 
sores,  ill-conditioned  ulcers,  and  painful  cancerous  af- 
fections, 

THOROUGHWORT. 

Eiipatorium  Perfoliatum^ 

Is  known  also  by  the  following  names,  thorough- 
stem,  crosswort,  boncset,  and  Indian  sage.  The  first  of 
these  names,  thoroughstem,  has  been  imposed  upon  it 
from  the  peculiar  structure  of  the  leaves,  which  are 
opposite,  and  appear  as  though  the  stem  was  thrust 
through  them.  It  has  received  the  second  name  of  cross- 
wort,  by  w^hich  it  is  known  in  many  parts  of  Virginia, 
from  the  position  of  the  leaves,  each  pair  of  which  take 
their  origin  from  opposite  sides  of  the  stem,  so  that 
they  cross  each  other  nearly  at  right  angles.  I  am  at  a 
loss,  says  professor  Barton,  to  refer  the  word  boneset 
to  its  real  origin;  but  I  presume  the  plant  received  this 
name  from  the  great  relief  which,  on  many  occasions, 
it  has  been  found  to  afford  to  persons  labouring  under 
violent  remitting  and  other  fevers,  in  w^hich  the  bones 
are  greatly  pained.  The  resemblance  of  the  leaves  of 
this  plant  to  those  of  the  .common  sage,  was  long  ago 
remarked  by  the  botanists.  Hence  the  name  Indian  sage, 
by  which  the  eupatorium  is  known  in  some  parts  of 
Pennsylvania. 

This  plant  flourishes  in  wet  meadows,  and  other  moist 
places.  The  stalk  is  hairy,  and  rises  from  tw^o  to  four 
feet.  The  flowers  are  white,  and  appear  in  July  and 
August.  The  leaves  at  each  joint  are  horizontal,  saw- 
edged,  and  rough,  from  three  to  four  inches  long,  and 
about  one  inch  broad  at  the  base,  gradually  lessening 
to  a  very  acute  point,  of  a  dark  green,  and  covered  with 
short  hairs. 

This  plant  posseses  very  active  powers,  and  has  been 
exhibited  with  uncommon  advantage  in  intermittents, 
remittents,  and  other  diseases  of  debility.  When  exhi- 


604 


Materia  Medica. 


bitfd  in  the  form  of  a  warm  decociion,  a  handful  of  the 
herb  boiled  in  a  quart  of  water,  a  wine- e^lassful  every 
two  hours,  has  proved  peculiarly  beneficial^  says  pro- 
fessor Barton,  in  fevers,  bv  exciiing  a  copious  perspira- 
tion. In  larger  doses,  it  proves  emetic,  with  which  view 
it  is  used  in  some  parts  oi  the  Uniu  d  States,  as  an  ex- 
cellent remedy  in  intermittents.  The  dried  leaves  in 
powder,  in  doses  of  twelve  or  fifteen  grains,  are  said  to 
operate  gendy  on  the  bowels.  Every  part  of  this  plant 
may  be  advantageously  employed  in  practice.  Fhe 
flowers,  as  a  tonic  bitter,  are  deemed  equal  to  the  flowers 
of  camomile,  for  which  they  might  be  substituted  on 
many  occasions. 

This  medicine  has  also  been  found  very  efiicacious 
in  cutaneous  diseases.  In  a  peculiar  and  distressing  af- 
fection of  the  herpetic  kind,  which  was  formerly  very 
common  in  Virginia,  and  there  known  by  the  name  of 
James  River  ring  worm*,  professor  Barton  states,  from 
the  respectable  authority  of  Dr.  Thomas  Knox,  of  Cul- 
pepper county,  Va.  that  a  decoction  of  this  plant  drank 
daily,  for  a  considerable  time,  made  a  perfect  cure.  A 
wine  glassful  of  the  expressed  juice  of  the  green  herb 
drank  every  hour,  is  celebrated  as  a  certain  cure  for  the 
bite  of  a  rattle  snake.  The  bruised  leaves  should  be  ap- 
plied to  the  part. 

THROAT-ROOT.  See  Avens. 

THYME,  GARDEN. 

Thymus  Vulgaris^ 

Is  one  of  the  most  powerful  aromatic  plants,  and  as 
such,  is  frequently  employed  in  the  form  of  tea,  in  those 
complaints  where  medicines  of  this  class  are  indicated. 

•  This  dis.Gfusting  disease  prevailed  mostly  amon.^the  inhabitants  on  James 
River.  It  attacked  the  thig-hs,  the  scrotum,  and  especially  tlie  parts  imme- 
diately adjacent  to  the  anus.  It  extended  its  ravages  into  the  rectum,  and 
perhaps  much  further. 


Materia  Medica. 


605 


TOBACCO. 

Nicotiana  Tabacum. 

This  "  obnoxious  luxury,"  to  use  the  language  of  the 
eloquent  and  patriotic  John  Randolph,  Esq.  is  a  medi- 
cine of  the  most  uncommon  powers;  being  emetic,  ca- 
thartic, sudorific,  diuretic,  expectorant,  narcotic,  and 
antipasmodic;  hence  its  utility  in  a  variety  of  diseases. 

A  table- spoonful  of  an  infusion,  one  ounce  in  a  pint 
of  boiling  water,  will  excite  vomiting;  however,  as  it 
has  no  peculiar  property  as  an  emetic,  and  its  operation 
is  attended  with  severe  sickness,  it  is  not  often  employed 
with  this  view.  As  a  purgative,  it  is  employed  in  the 
form  of  clysters,  in  all  cases  of  obstinate  costiveness. 
Exhibited  in  this  form,  in  the  quantity  of  two  or  three 
table-spoonfuls  of  the  infusion,  mixed  in  half  a  pint  of 
milk  or  thin  gruel,  it  has  frequently  afforded  almost  in- 
stantaneous relief  in  violent  colics,  after  other  medicines 
had  proved  ineffectual.  If  this  quantity  procure  no  re- 
lief,  nor  excite  giddiness,  nor  nausea,  the  injection  may 
be  repeated  every  half  hour,  with  the  gradual  increase 
of  the  infusion,  till  one  or  other  of  these  effects  takes 
place.  By  this  mode  of  proceeding,  the  violent  effects 
of  tobacco  may  always  be  avoided.  As  a  diuretic,  it 
has  on  many  occasions  proved  an  invaluable  remedy, 
as  in  ascites  and  other  dropsical  affections,  also  in  gra- 
vel, or  difficulty  of  making  water.  In  those  cases,  ac- 
cording to  Dr.  Fowler,  the  dose  for  adults  should  be 
from  sixty  to  one  hundred  drops  of  the  infusion  in  a  tea- 
cup of  water,  twice  a  day,  about  two  hours  before  din- 
ner, and  at  bed-time;  it  being  observed  to  disagree  the 
most  with  the  stomach  in  a  morning  fasting.  And  such 
is  the  difference  between  the  morning  and  night,  that 
almost  every  patient  will  require  to  take  one  fourth,  and 
some  one  third  more  in  the  forenoon  than  in  the  even- 
ing, in  order  to  enable  ihem  to  bear  the  dose  with  equal 
convenience.  The  connuon  dose  just  mentioned,  relates 
only  to  adults  of  an  ordinary  constitution;  for  it  de- 


606 


Mata'ia  Medica, 


serves  particular  notice,  that  between  constitutions 
which  are  very  nervous  and  irritable,  and  those  which 
are  very  robust  or  torpid,  or  long  accustomed  to  the  use 
of  tobacco,  the  dose  will  admit  of  very  great  and  sur- 
prising alterations. 

As  an  expectorant,  in  asthmatic  cases,  unattended 
with  inflammatory  symptoms,  this  medicine  has  fre- 
quently afforded  relief.  In  cases  of  tetanus,  or  lock-jaw, 
injections  of  tobacco  infusion,  says,  Dr.  Mease,  have 
been  used  with  success.  They  not  only  produce  eva- 
cuations from  the  bowels,  which  are  generally  obsti- 
nately constipated,  but  tend  to  a  relaxation  of  the  vio- 
lent  spasms  so  peculiar  to  this  disease.  On  this  account, 
he  suggests  the  propriety  of  giving  it  in  the  dreadful 
disease  produced  by  the  bite  of  a  mad  dog. 

Besides  the  internal  use  of  tobacco  in  the  above  dis- 
eases,  it  is  likewise  commended  for  its  virtues  exter- 
nally employed.  In  the  tooth-ach,  a  piece  of  lint  moist- 
ened with  the  expressed  juice  of  tobacco,  has  often 
acted  as  a  charm  in  mitigating  the  pain.  In  obstinate 
ulcers,  an  ointment,  or  the  dried  leaves  of  tobacco, 
steeped  in  water,  and  applied  to  the  part  affected,  have 
been  attended  with  beneficial  eftects,  after  the  usual  re- 
medies had  failed.  In  the  itch,  and  obstinate  cases  of 
cutaneous  eruptions,  the  tobacco  infusion,  as  a  wash  ap- 
plied two  or  three  times  a  day,  seldom  fails  of  effecting 
a  radical  cure.  In  that  detestable  distemper,  called  lousy 
evil,  to  which  many  children  are  subject,  though  from 
neglect  of  cleanliness,  adults  are  sometimes  afflicted 
with  it,  the  infusion  has  effected  a  radical  cure,  in  seve- 
ral instances,  after  preparations  of  mercury,  and  other 
applications,  had  failed.  It  will  be  found  equally  destruc- 
tive to  crab-Hce,  if  applied  two  or  three  times  a  day,  to 
the  parts  which  they  infest. 

In  cases  of  worms,  tobacco  externally  applied,  is 
deserving  the  highest  estimation.  Professor  Barton 
states,  that  the  leaves  pounded  with  vinegar,  and  applied 
in  the  shape  of  poultice  to  the  region  of  the  stomach 
and  abdomen,  have  often  discharged  worms,  after  pow- 
erful anthelmintics  had  been  exhibited  internally  in 


Materia  Medica, 


6f)7 


vain.  We  ought  not  to  be  surprised,  says  he,  at  this 
effect  of  the  tobacco,  since  we  know  that  the  same  ve- 
getable, appHed  externally,  is  often  efficacious  in  in- 
ducing vomiting.  Accordingly,  says  he,  I  have  for 
some  years  been  in  the  habit  of  applying  tobacco  leaves 
to  the  region  of  the  stomach  of  persons  who  have  swal- 
lowed large  quantities  of  opium,  and  other  similar  arti- 
cles, with  a  view  of  destroying  themselves.  It  is  well 
known,  diat  in  these  cases,  the  stomach  is  often  ex- 
tremely inirritable,  insomuch,  that  the  most  powerful 
emetics  have  little  t fleet  in  rousing  that  organ  into  ac- 
tion. Here,  as  an  auxiliary  at  least,  the  tobacco,  in  the 
manner  I  have  mentioned,  is  certainly  very  useful,  and 
in  many  instances  ought  not  to  be  neglected. 

In  further  testimony  of  the  efficacy  of  tobacco  ex- 
ternally applied,  in  the  most  formidable  diseases,  we 
cannot  forbear  inserting  at  length,  a  letter  addressed  to 
the  Editors  of  the  Medical  Museum,  by  Dr.  Edward 
Cutbush,  now  of  this  city,  a  gentleman  no  less  distin- 
guished for  his  medical  attainments,  than  for  his  surgi- 
cal knowledge.  Preceding  this  letter,  is  a  minute  detail 
of  the  case,  related  by  an  Italian  physician,  of  a  young 
woman,  long  afflicted  with  an  abdominal  swelling,  pro- 
ducing violent  convulsions,  which,  after  having  baffled 
the  most  efficacious  means,  was  radically  cured  by  Dr. 
Edward  Cutbush,  M.  D.  senior  physician  of  the  Ame- 
rican marine  hospital  at  Syracuse,  in  the  year  1805. 

"  Sir, 

"  In  consequence  of  the  earnest  solicitations  of  tfte 
parents  of  the  young  woman,  whose  case  is  above  stated 
by  one  of  her  physicians,  she  was  brought  to  my  house 
in  Syracuse  to  be  examined.  I  received  from  herself 
and  parents  a  history  of  her  case,  which  corresponded 
very  nearly  with  the  above  statement.  Her  parents 
informed  me  they  had  consulted  33  physicians  and  sur- 
geons  of  Naples,  and  different  parts  of  Sicily,  without 
receiving  any  advantage.  Some  were  of  opinion  that 
the  swelling  was  owing  to  a  collection  of  water  in  the 
uterus;  others  in  the  ovaria;  others,  that  it  was  an  en- 


608 


Materia  Medica, 


larged  liver;  finally,  two  or  three  were  strongly  im- 
pressed with  the  idea,  that  it  was  an  extra-uttnne  foe^ 
tus,  which  produced  all  the  distressing  symptoms  above 
stated.  On  examination,  1  found  a  very  large  swelling, 
extending  from  the  epigastrium  in  a  diagonal  direction 
to  the  anterior  spinous  process  of  the  right  ilium.  The 
tumour  had  a  number  of  inequalities  on  its  surface;  no 
fluctuations  could  be  felt;  she  could  not  bear  it  pressed  i| 
without  suffering  great  pain.  I  must  confess  I  did  not  II 
give  any  decisive  opinion  in  the  case,  it  being  perfectly  1 
new  to  me,  and  especially  after  the  numerous  contradic-  j 
tory  opinions  and  practice  of  the  first  physicians  of  Na-  I 
pies  and  Sicily  had  failed  in  giving  relief.  She  had  f 
been  twice  under  the  liberal  use  of  mercury  in  Naples 
and  Syracuse;  in  the  latter  place,  by  the  direction  of 
a  surgeon  belonging  to  Lord  Nelson's  squadron,  when 
his  lordship  was  there  in  1798,  without  beneficial  effect. 
From  this  history  and  examination,  I  entertained  no 
hope  of  relieving  her;  but  the  solemn  entreaties  of  her 
parents  determined  me  to  make  trial  of  a  remedy,  which 
I  had  found  useful  in  discussing  obstinate  tumours,  and 
which  finally  terminated  a  disease  that  had  been  the 
source  of  great  distress  to  the  unfortunate  female,  and 
which,  doubtless,  proved  the  disease  to  have  been  an 
hydropic  affection  of  the  uterus,  or  right  fallopian  tube, 
thouQ:h  no  undulation  could  be  discovered.  I  directed 
the  leaves  of  the  nicotiana,  recently  collected,  to  be 
stewed  in  vinegar,  and  applied  to  the  abdominal  swell- 
ing. The  first  appUcation  produced  nausea,  vomiting,  . 
vertigo,  great  depression  of  muscular  strength,  copious 
perspiration,  and  a  loose  state  of  the  bowels.  Her  pulse 
became  very  slow.  In  consequence  of  the  violence  of 
the  above  symptoms,  it  was  not  long  continued;  but  on 
the  succeeding  day,  it  was  repeated  morning  and  even- 
ing, and  produced  all  the  above  symptoms,  but  in  a  less 
degree,  attended  with  an  immoderate  flow  of  water  from 
the  vagina.  The  application  was  continued  twice  a-day 
for  one  week,  when  its  effects  on  the  system  were  less 
powerful;  but  I  was  informed,  with  the  most  rapturous 
expressions,  that  the  tumour  had  diminised  very  much. 


Materia  Medica, 


6Q9 


The  clay  following,  a  priest  was  despatched  to  inform 
me,  that  the  water  was  continually  running  from  her 
as  she  walked  her  room.  The  remedy  was  continued 
about  twenty  days,  but  the  swelling  disappeared  entire- 

I    ly  before  the  fourteenth.  No  medicine  was  given,  ex- 

I  ceptinga  small  quantity  of  opium  or  wine  during  the 
day.  When  the  application  of  the  tobacco  was  omitted, 
her  abdomen  was  perfectly  soft  and  she  could  bear  it 

j  pressed  wiihout  pain.  She  was  occasionally  attacked 
with  syncope,  and  complained  of  a  want  of  appetite;  I 
advised  a  bandage  to  i)c  applied  around  her  body,  a 
course  of  tonic  medicines,  a  generous  diet  to  be  gradu- 
ally increased,  equitation,  (riding)  and  cheerful  company. 
I  saw  her  in.  October,  1805;  she  informed  me  that  all 

I  the  functions  of  her  body  where  natural;  her  countenance 
was  florid  and  cheerful.  April  1,  1806,  I  was  informed 
she  remained  in  good  health. 

It  is  difiicult  to  account  for  the  modus  operandi  of 
tobacco  in  this  case,  unless  the  violent  commotion, 
which  it  cxcitod  in  the  system,  ruptured  the  cyst  which 
probably  contained  the  water.  I  conceive  the  external 
.  application  of  tobacco,  as  a  remedy  in  many  diseases,  de- 
mands more  attention  from  physicians  than  it  has  gene- 
rally received.  In  obstinate  constipation  of  the  bowels, 
I  have  applied  tobacco  stewed  in  vinegar  or  water,  with 
the  greatest  success;  even  after  powerful  cathartics, 
enemata  of  different  kinds,  injections  of  tobacco  smoke 
or  the  infusion  of  the  plant,  have  failed;  and  conceive 
it  preferable  in  many  cases  of  ascites,  to  the  common 
mode  of  administering  it  internally  in  the  form  of  tinc- 
ture or  infusion. 

I  am,  sir,  with  esteem,  yours, 

EDWARD  CUTBUSH.*' 

Happy  if  this  plant  "  of  many  virtues'*  could  always 
be  exerted  to  such  beneficient  purposes  as  those  above, 
and  for  which,  no  doubt,  it  was  intended  by  the  all  wise 
.  and  benevolent  Creator.  But,  alas!  we  are  constraini^d 
to  deplore,  not  only  the  idle  and  expensive,, but  too  pft^n 
fatal  abuse  of  it,  by  snuffing,  chewing,  and  smoking, 

4  H 


610 


Materia  Medica. 


practices  which  cannot  be  too  severely  censured,  espe- 
cially in  young  persons,  and  those  of  weak  digestion, 
consumptive,  or  delicate  habits.  When  used  in  either 
of  those  forms,  by  persons  unaccustomed  to  its  use,  it 
will,  in  small  quantities,  produce  stupor,  giddiness,  and 
vomiting.  But,  like  spirits,  opium,  and  other  narcotics, 
the  use  of  it  may  be  introduced  by  degrees,  so  that  its 
peculiar  effects,  even  from  large  quantities  employed, 
seldom  appear. 

TOE- ITCH.  See  Moorwort,  Broad- leaved. 

TOOTHACH-TREE.  See  PnV%  Jsh, 

TOUCHWOOD. 

Boletus  Igniarius^ 

Called  also  punk.  It  is  a  spongy  substance,  growing 
on  the  white  oak,  pine,  and  hickory  trees,  generally 
used  for  catching  fire  with  flint  and  steel.  The  heart 
of  that  which  grows  on  the  oak,  reduced  to  a  powder, 
and  applied  to  violent  hemorrhages  from  wounds,  is 
said  to  be  an  excellent  application  to  stop  the  bleeding. 

TREFOIL,  WATER. 

Menianthes, 

Grows  about  twelve  inches  high,  in  marshes,  swamps, 
and  wet  meadows.  It  bears  many  elegant  flowers,  in  a 
spike,  which  are  sometimes  white,  but  commonly  rose- 
coloured  on  the  outside,  and  in  the  inside  finely  fringed; 
the  leaves  are  three  together,  resembling  our  garden 
beans. 

A  drachm  of  the  powdered  leaves  is  said  to  operate 
up  and  down.  An  infusion  of  the  leaves,  two  handfuls 
to  a  quart  of  boiling  water,  in  doses  of  a  tea-cupful  two 
or  three  times  a  day,  is  esteemed  a  useful  medicine  in 
chronic  rheumatism,  in  scorbutic  complaints,  and  in  all 
impurities  of  the  blood. 


Materia  Medico. 


611 


TULIP-BEARING  POPLAR.  See  Poplar,  mite. 
TURMERIC.  See  Bloodroot. 

UNICORN  ROOT. 

Aletris  Farinasa, 

Grows  in  meadows,  and  on  the  sides  of  mountains, 
about  siK  or  seven  inches  high;  leaves  spear-shaped, 
lying  on  the  ground,  and  are  green  all  the  winter.  The 
flowers  grovv  on  the  stalk  from  the  ground,  w^hich  hang 
down  at  the  top  when  fully  blown;  the  root  is  whitish, 
full  of  small  fibres,  about  the  thickness  of  the  end  oif 
the  little  finger,  and  crooked  at  the  end. 

The  powdered  root,  in  doses  from  a  half  to  a  tea- 
spoonful,  is  said  to  afford  relief  in  hysteric,  and  flatu- 
lent or  wind  colic.  A  large  handful  of  the  root  steeped 
in  a  quart  of  spirits,  in  doses  of  a  wine-glassful  three 
times  a-day,  is  highly  esteemed  by  some  as  a  valuable 
remedy  in  chronic  rheumatism. 

VALERIAN,  WILD. 

Valeriana  Officinalis, 

Grows  abundantly  in  the  vicinity  of  the  Ohio  river. 
It  rfses  two  or  three  feet  high — the  leaves  in  pairs,  large, 
hairy,  and  of  a  dusky-green  colour — flowers  stand  in 
large  tufts  on  the  tops  of  the  branches,  of  a  pale  whitish- 
red  colour. 

The  root,  which  is  the  part  used  in  medicine,  consists 
of  a  number  of  slender  fibres,  matted  together,  and  at- 
tached to  one  head;  of  a  brown  colour,  having  a  strong 
and  unpleasant  smell.  Valerian  has  long  been  recom- 
mended by  the  most  learned  physicians  as  a  medicine 
of  great  use  in  nervous  disorders;  and  is  particularly 
serviceable  in  hysteric  cases,  as  well  as  in  epilepsy,  pro- 


6i2 


Materia  Medica. 


ceeding  from  a  debility  of  the  nervous  system.  Accord- 
ing to  Dr.  Withering,  it  is  an  excellent  medicine  in 
cases  of  habitual  costiveness.  It  should  be  given  in  doses 
from  one  to  two  tea  cupfuls  or  more,  in  powder,  three 
times  a-day.  It  seems  most  useful  when  given  in  sub- 
stance, and  in  large  doses. 

VINE,  GRAPE. 

Vitis  Vinifera, 

Several  species  of  this  valuable  shrub  grow  in  the 
United  States.  The  success  which  has  attended  the  at- 
tempts to  cultivate  foreign  and  native  grapes,  sufficiently 
prove  that  our  climate  is  perfectly  congenial  to  the  cul- 
tivation of  the  vine,  and,  that  with  very  little  attention, 
we  might  supply  ourselves  abundantly  with  cheap  and 
wholesome  wines. 

Wine  certainly  is  most  excellent  to  prevent,  as  well 
as  to  cure  diseases.  A  prudent  use  of  it,  when  genuine, 
I  can  say,  from  my  own  experience  and  observation, 
admirably  conduces  to  health.  It  will  be  found  particu- 
larly beneficial  to  the  weak  and  aged,  and  to  those  who 
are  exposed  to  a  warm  and  nioist  air,  or  to  a  corrupted 
one.  It  exhilarates  the  spirits,  quickens  the  circulation, 
promotes  digesiion,  invigorates  both  the  body  and 
menial  faculties,  and  thereby  renders  persons  less  sus- 
ceptible to  disease. 

As  a  medicine,  wine  is  a  most  grateful  and  valuable 
cordial  in  languors  and  debility,  in  which  it  is  found  to 
raise  the  pulse,  support  the  strength,  promote  perspira- 
tion, and  resist  putrefaction.  Hence  we  cannot  appre- 
ciate too  highly  this  reviving  liquor,  which  justly  merits 
the  title  of  *'donum  Dei,"  gift  of  God.  Were  we  to 
have  less  recourse  to  ardent  spirits,  and  instead  of  con- 
tinuing in  those  abominable  practices  of  drinking  before 
dinner,  to  take  a  few  glasses  of  wine  after  dinner,  we 
should  find  our  account"  in  it.  During  my  long  resi- 
dence in  Savannah,  and  exposed  as  I  was  alternately 
by  my  professional  pursuits,  to  the  scorching  sun  and 
chilling  night  air,  I  was  never  attacked  with  the  pre^ 


Materia  Medica. 


613 


vailing  fever,  incident  to  that  climate,  which  I  ascribe 
almost  entirely  to  the  daily  use  of  the  purest  and  best 
wine.  In  further  corroboration  of  this  fact,  I  will  with 
candour  state,  that,  when  from  unforeseen  reverses  of 
fortune,  I  was  induced  to  remove  to  the  more  healthy 
situation,  as  I  thought,  of  Washington,  not  a  season 
has  elapsed,  but  some  one  or  other  of  my  family  has 
suffered  severely  with  the  bilious  or  nervous  fever, 
)•  which  I  cannot  but  ascribe,  in  a  great  measure,  to  our 
'    not  drinking  such  good  wine  as  we  were  accustomed 
'   to  at  the  southward. 

There  are  many  persons  in  good  circumstances,  who 
I  object  to  the  daily  use  of  wine,  as  being  too  expensive. 
I  To  such  I  would  recommend  it  as  economy.  Besides 
!  the  very  great  satisfaction  which  would  naturally  flow 
from  having  a  healthy  family,  money  is  often  saved  by 
a  prudent  use  of  it.  To  illustrate  this,  it  is  only  ne- 
cessary to  state,  that  several  families  at  the  southward, 
who  were  in  the  habit  of  paying  annually  large  ac- 
counts  for  medical  attendance,  inquired  of  me  how  it 
was,  that  myself  and  family  enjoyed  such  perfect 
health,  while  they  were  sickly.  I  remarked,  that  it 
was  princip?^lly  owing  to  drinking  good  wine,  and  as- 
sured them,  though  against  my  interest,  if  they  would 
but  pursue  my  plan,  they  also  would  enjoy  good  health. 
Some  of  them  adopted  my  plan,  which  carried  convic- 
tion with  it;  for  on  the  following  year,  and  afterwards, 
they  enjoyed  much  better  health,  were  enabled  to  attend 
to  their  business,  and  found  the  expense  of  the  wine 
saved  in  their  physician's  bill.  Others  ag;iin  object  to 
the  habitual  use  of  wine,  as  not  congenial  to  their  con- 
stitution, observing  that  whenever  they  entertained,  or 
dined  with  their  friends,  they  were  either  induced  from 
politeness  or  persuasion,  to  drink  as  the  rest  of  the 
company,*  from  which  their  heads  were  uniformly  af- 

*  The  following  anecdote  will  at  once  show  the  absurdity  of  pressing  oxir 
friends  to  drink  more  wine  than  their  appetites  crave.  A  foreigner  was  in- 
vited to  a  party,  consisting,  as  he  was  told,  of  English  philosophers,  of 
whom  he  conceived  a  great  deal.  After  a  very  plenteous  dinner,  the  cloth 
was  cleared,  and  the  bottles  were  placed  on  the  table.  He  was  pressed 
ifter  five  glasses  to  drink  on,  but  the  stranger  persisted  in  assuring  the  com- 


614 


Materia  Medica* 


fected,  and  they  always  felt  disagreeable  on  the  fol- 
lowing day.  This  objection  is  at  once  refuted,  by  sim- 
ply stating,  it  is  my  wish  to  impress  on  my  readers  the 
use,  but  not  the  ahuse  of  wine,  which  no  man  more 
heartily  than  myself  abhors,  especially  in  ^oiing  per- 
sons^ whose  readiness  to  take  glass  for  glass  with  their 
elders,  is  to  me  one  of  the  most  lamentable  spectacles 
in  nature.  The  excessive  use  of  this  stimulant,  as  well 
as  every  other,  is  most  certainly  injurious  to  the  sys- 
tem,  and  ought,  therefore,  to  be  carefully  guarded 
against  by  every  rational  person.  It  deserves  also  to 
be  noticed,  that  the  same  quantity  of  wine  which  would 
produce  intoxication  in  one  person,  would  have  little 
or  rro  effect  on  another;  and  there  is  also  a  wide  dif- 
ference between  taking  it  on  an  empty  stomach,  and 
on  a  full  one.  As  it  respects  myself,  it  is  a  positive 
fact,  that  one  glass  taken  an  hour  or  two  before  dinner, 
will  affect  my  head  more  than  a  pint  after  dinner.  In 
like  manner,  a  half  pint  of  adulterated  or  impure  wine, 
will  produce  unpleasant  sensations  on  me,  when  a  pint 
of  genuine  Madeira,  will  have  no  other  than  the  pleas- 
ing effect  of  invigorating  the  constitution.  The  appre- 
hension which  some  persons  entertain,  ttftit  children, 
early  accustomed  to  wine,  will  be  apt  to  become  drunk- 
ards, is  without  the  smallest  foundation  whatever.  On 
the  contrary,  it  is  a  lamentable  truth,  that  we  daily  see 
persons,  who  were  restrained  in  the  early  period  of 
their  lives,  from  drinking  wine,  toddy,  or  table  drink, 
in  the  presence  of  their  parents,  become  perfect  sots 
after  they  arrived  at  the  age  of  manhood.  It  is  one  of 
the  greatest  commendations  of  wine,  that  we  never  see 
those  who  daily  indulge  the  use  of  it  become  drunk- 
ards. This  is  verified,  not  only  in  France,  but  in  ma- 
ny parts  of  our  Union.  In  Charleston,  Savannah,  and 
Augusta,  the  inhabitants  generally  make  use  of  wine; 
the  consequence  of  which  is,  they  are  sober,  dis- 
creet, and,  notwithstanding  the  climate,  are  healthy. 
It  is  a  rare  thing  indeed  to  see  a  drunkard  of  any  de- 

pany,  he  felt  no  drought.  These  philosophers  began  then  to  be  angry,  and 
the  foreigner  rang  the  bell,  and  insisted  on  another  course,  for  they  ought 
as  much  to  eat,  as  he  to  drink  against  inclination. 


Materia  Medica. 


615 


scription  in  the  streets  of  those  cities.  Whether  it  is 
owing  to  their  drinking  less  ardent  spirits,  or  a  better 
police  than  we  have,  I  will  not  pretend  to  say,  but 
such  is  the  fact,  and  would  to  God  I  could,  with  equal 
propriety,  make  the  same  remarks  of  the  metropolis  of 
the  United  States,  where  drunkenness  among  the  lower 
class  and  negroes,  reigns  triumphant,  throwing  open, 
as  it  were,  the  flood-gates  of  every  species  of  vice. 

**  Vice  is  a  monster  of  so  frightful  mein, 
As,  to  be  hated,  needs  but  to  be  seen; 
Yet  seen  too  oft,  familiar  with  her  face, 
We  first  endure,  then  pity,  then  embrace." 

PpPE.. 

It  is  also  worthy  of  remark,  that  among  the  genteel 
circles  in  Charleston,  Savannah,  and  Augusta,  you 
will  hardly  meet  with  an  instance  of  a  gentleman  drink- 
ing any  thing  before  dinner,  or  pressing  his  friends 
to  take  more  wine  after  dinner  than  they  feel  an  in- 
clination for;  however,  this  is  nothing  more  than  what 
might  have  been  expected  from  those  who  are  not  ex- 
celled by  any  society  on  earth,  either  for  polished  man- 
ners, or  true  hospitality.  Experientia  docet,"  expe- 
rience  teaches,  is  my  motto,  and  as  I  speak  from  this 
alone,  I  feel  conscious  of  the  rectitude  of  my  heart,  in 
earnestly  recommending  to  my  fellow-citizens,  both 
old  and  young,  the  daily  and  prudent  use  of  genuine 
wine,  at  least  during  the  sickly  season,  and  in  unheal- 
thy situations,  mihout  any  fear  whatever  of  making 
sots  of  them.  That  the  tcnderest  infant  may  be  benefit- 
ed by  it,  I  am  convinced  from  my  own  practical  ob- 
servations; but  if  higher  authority  is  required,  .1  will 
conclude  with  the  following  sentiment  of  that  celebra- 
ted physician,  the  late  professor  Rush. 

lU  is  remarkable,  says  he,  that  the  children  of  per- 
sons in  easy  circumstances,  who  sip  occasionally,  with 
their  parents,  the  remains  of  a  glass  of  wine  after  din- 
ner, are  much  less  subject  to  disease,  than  the  children 
of  poor  people,  who  are  without  the  bcHcfit  of  that  ar- 
ticle of  diet. 


616 


Materia  Medica, 


Having  said  so  much  in  praise  of  the  generous  juice 
of  the  gra|>e,  and  considering  it  as  I  sincerely  do,  one 
of  the  choicest  medicines  in  the  Materia  Mcdica,  I  can- 
not do  otherwise  than  present  my  readers  wiih  the  fol- 
lowing most  approved  method  for  makinp^  American 
wines,  taken  from  the  Domestic  Encyclopedia^  vol.  5. 

Grapes  must  be  fully  ripe  before  they  arc  gathered; 
gather  them  in  a  fair  day,  when  they  are  perfectly  dry; 
and  take  away  all  the  rotten  and  unripe  grapes,  for  they 
spoil  the  wine.  If  your  vintage  be  large,  and  you  ga- 
ther more  grapes  than  you  can  mash  and  press  out  in 
one  day,  let  them  be  gathered  without  bruising,  for 
bruised  grapes  soon  contract  an  imsavory  taste,  and  hurt 
the  wine;  however,  if  they  are  mashed  the  same  day 
they  are  gathered,  the  bruising  will  do  no, hurt. 

Chaptal  advises  to  cut  off  the  tails  of  grapes  very 
short  with  a  pair  of  scissors,  and  to  choose  none  but 
sound  grapes,  and  those  clusters  which  are  best  ex- 
posed, rejecting  those  which  have  been  sheltered,  and 
near  the  ground,  and  to  prefer  those  which  ripen  at  the 
bottom  of  the  vines.  They  are  then  to  be  put  into  smi]!! 
baskets  to  prevent  the  loss  of  juice,  by  the  superincum- 
bent weight;  and  when  full  they  ought  to  be  put  in 
carts,  or  on  the  backs  of  men  or  horses. 

I  would  advise  the  gathering  of  them  to  be  direct- 
ed by  some  grave  discreet  person;  for  as  this  work  is 
done  generally  by  servants  and  children,  it  is  made 
matter  of  pastime  and  frolic;  and  so  many  grapes  are 
lorn  off,  and  either  bruised  or  scattered  on  the  ground, 
to  the  no  small  damage  of  the  owner,  both  in  the  loss 
of  fruit,  and  in  hurting  the  wine:  and  these  things 
should  be  impressed  on  the  minds  of  the  gatherers  be- 
fore they  begin,  that  every  thing  may  be  done  regularly 
and  in  order,  by  which  means  more  work  will  be  done, 
and  to  much  better  purpose. 

If  white  frosts  happen  before  some  of  your  grapes  are 
fully  ripe,  let  them  still  hang  on  the  vines,  and  they 
will  grow  ripe,  rich,  and  high  flavoured;  but  they  must 
be  gathered  before  the  weather  be  so  hard  as  to  freeze 


Materia  Medica, 


617 


the  grapes,  for  that  will  spoil  them:  the  light  frosts 
that  only  kill  the  leaves  do  not  hurt  the  fruit,  unless  it 
be  such  as  are  late  ripe;  these  should  be  carefully  co- 
vered from  all  frosts,  they  should  grow  against  walls 
or  board  fences  fronting  the  south  or  south-east,  and  at 
night  be  covered  with  mats  or  frames  thatched  with  straw, 
which  should  be  so  contrived  as  to  be  set  up  to  cover 
the  fruit  or  let  down  at  pleasure. 

As  the  wine  made  from  black  grapes  has  a  different 
management  from  that  made  of  white  grapes,  I  shall 
begin  wi-h  the  white;  these  then  must  be  gathered  as  I 
mentioned  before,  in  a  fair  day,  when  the  grapes  are 
perfectly  dry;  and  both  the  rotten  and  unripe  grapes 
be  carefully  plucked  off  from  every  bunch,  die  clus- 
ters are  then  thrown  into  the  .mash  vat,  and  cwo  or  three 
men,  according  to  the  quuntiiy,  having  washed  their 
feet  and  legs  very  clean  in  bran  and  water,  get  into  the 
vat  and  trample  and  mash  the  grapes  thoroughly,  so  that 
none  escape. 

Chaptal  says,  as  a  general  rule,  that  the  grapes  must 
be  equally  pressed,  to  insure  a  uniform  fermentation:  and 
the  vat  filled  in  24  hours,  to  avoid  the  inconvenience 
and  imperfections  arising  from  a  successive  series  of 
fermentations,  and  when  unexpected  rain  suspends  the 
collection  of  the  grapes,  the  juice  of  those  already  col- 
lected and  placed  in  the  vat,  must  ferment  separately. 

The  first  and  second  pressing  being  mixed  together, 
is  put  into  hogsheads,  and  filled  within  four  inches  of 
the  bung,  that  it  may  have  room  to  work  and  ferment, 
the  casks  placed  in  some  warm  room  or  dry  cellar.  Then 
having  a  small  spile  fixed  in  the  middle  of  the  head  of 
the  cask,  the  third  or  fourth  day,  draw  a  little  of  the 
wme  in  a  glass,  and  if  it  be  pretty  fine  draw  it  off  im- 
mediately into  a  clean  dry  well- scented  cask,  the  larger 
the  better,  so  you  have  wine  enough  to  fill  it,  which 
you  must  do  within  two  inches  of  the  bung,  and  stop  it 
close,  leaving  only  the  vent-hole  open  for  a  second  fer- 
mentation; after  a  few  days  it  will  work  a  second  time, 
but  not  so  much  as  at  the  first;  if  your  wine  be  strong 
and  good,  which  you  may  know  by  the  age  of  your 

4  1 


618 


Materia  Medica, 


vineyard,  and  by  the  goodness  of  the  seasons,  it  will 
be  best  to  leave  the  bung-hole  open  for  this  second 
working;  the  wine  will  be  the  better:  for  strong  wines 
require  a  greater  fermentation  than  weak  wines,  and  the 
stopping  of  the  bung-hole  checks  the  working,  and  pre- 
vents weak  wines  from  spending  themselves  too  much; 
on  the  contrary,  if  strong  wines  have  not  a  thorough 
Working,  they  are  apt  to  grow  thick  and  ropy:  by  this 
you  may  form  a  proper  judgment  what  degree  of  fer- 
mentation is  proper  for  the  wine  that  is  under  work- 
ing, and  govern  yourself  accordingly.  Three  or  four 
day^s  after  the  second  fermentation  begins,  carefully 
watch  your  wines  every  day,  again  try  them  in  a  glass, 
and  .if  they  be  pretty  fine,  prepare  a  cask  sweet  and 
good,  burn  a  good  large  b^jmstone  match  in  it,  and  as 
soon  as  the  match  is  burnt  out,  whilst  the  cask  is  full 
of  smoke,  draw  off  the  wine  into  it;  now  fill  up  your 
cask  to  the  brim,  and  bung  it  up  tight,  and  stop  the 
vent-hole;  the  smoke  of  the  brimstone  will  hinder  any 
further  fermentation;  and  this  is  called  stunning  or  sul- 
phuring; then  make  a  mortar  of  clay  and  horse-dung 
mixed  up  with  strong  flaxseed  jelly,  and  covering  the 
bung  and  veipt  hole  close  with  it,  let  it  stand  till  it  is  fit 
for  use. 

When  you  first  rack  off,  if  you  have  any  old  wine 
that  is  rich  and  good,  of  the  same  kind  or  colour,  put 
four  or  six  gallons  of  it,  and  two  gallons  of  good  brandy 
into  your  cask,  this  quantity  is  sufficient  for  an  English 
hogshead,  and  then  rack  off"  your  wine  into  it  for  the 
first  time,  this  will  greatly  strengthen  and  preserve  it. 

When  wine  is  in  fermentation,  all  the  gross  parts  are 
thrown  up  to  the  top  of  the  cask  or  vessel  that  it  fer- 
ments in,  and  there  meeting  the  air,  they  contract  a 
harshness.  If  then  they  are  suffered  to  pass  down  through 
the  body  of  the  wine,  which  they  certainly  will  do  as  soon 
as  the  fermentation  is  over,  they  will  communicate  those 
evil  qualities  to  the  wine.  For  this  reason,  draw  off 
your  wine  both  times  before  the  fermentation  be  quite 
over.  These  general  rules  are  of  great  consequence. 

I  now  pass  on  to  the  making  of  red  wines  from  the 


Materia  Medica. 


619 


black  grapes.  Red  wines  have  a  different  management 
from  the  white;  the  whole  of  one  or  even  two  days 
treading  or  mashing,  where  the  vintage  is  great,  is 
thrown  into  a  large  vat,  the  must,  stalks,  skins  and  all, 
and  stands  in  some  warm  dry  place  or  cellar.  The  vat 
is  covered  close  with  sheets  or  blankets,  or  both,  and 
thus  it  remains,  according  to  custom,  from  four  to  seven 
or  even  ten  days,  according  to  the  coldness  or  heat  of 
the  weather.  This  is  done  to  obtain  a  strong  fermen- 
tation, in  order  to  give  a  deeper  colour  to  the  wine;  and 
this  is  the  only  end  proposed  by  it;  the  manager  of  this 
work,  visits  the  vat  twice  a  day,  and  in  a  glass  viewa- 
the  colour  of  the  wine  and  tastes  it;  if  the  tincture  be 
not  deep  enough  to  his  mind,  he  knows  by  the  taste  of 
the  w^ine,  whether  it  will  stand  a  longer  fermentation: 
if  it  will  not,  he  contents  himself  with  the  colour  it  has, 
and  draws  and  presses  it  off,  and  fills  it  into  casks, 
leaving  about  two  inches  from  the  bung,  for  a  second 
fermentation.  When  the  second  fermentation  is  over, 
which  generally  happens  in  four  or  five  days,  he  then 
draws  it  of  into  clean  well  scented  casks,  and  adds  to 
it  six  gallons  of  good  old  wine  and  two  gallons  of  brandy 
to  an  English  hogshead,  which  contains  from  60  to  63 
gallons.  Where  the  same  kind  of  wine  is  not  to  be  had, 
he  makes  use  of  Port  wine.  He  then  fills  the  cask  quite 
full,  and  bungs  it  up  tight,  leaving  only  the  vent  hole 
open  to  let  out  the  generated  air.  Note:  when  I  say, 
where  the  same  kind  of  wine  is  not  to  be  had,  he  makes 
use  of  Portugal  wines,  this  is  mentioned  for  our  prac- 
tice, not  that  the  French  make  use  of  such  wines,  for 
they  always  have  wines  enough  of  their  own  of  the  same 
kind. 

Besides  the  main  pulp  or  core  of  the  grape,  which  is 
white  in  black  grapes  as  M^ell  as  others,  there  sticks  to 
the  inside  of  the  skin,  a  considerable  body  of  rich  pulp, 
of  a  deeper  dye  in  some  than  in  others.  This  pulp 
gives  the  colour  to  the  grape,  this  same  pulp  also  gives 
the  colour  to  the  wine,  for  the  same  grape  is  capable 
of  viaJdng  white  wine  as  well  as  red  wine;  if  the  main 
core  which  is  first  trod  out,  be  only  used,  the  wine  will 


620 


Materia  Medica* 


be  white;  but  if  the  red  pulp  be  mixed  with  it,  it  makes 
it  of  a  rich  purple  colour;  as  this  is  a  clear  case,  the 
great  point  of  improvement  is,  to  dissolve  or  extract  this 
rich  |)ulp,  without  injurini^  the  wine.  That  the  present 
method  is  the  best  and  most  effectual  to  that  pur|)0se,  I 
can  by  no  means  think;  the  violent  fermentation  through 
which  the  wine  is  made  to  pass,  in  order  to  procure 
the  tincture,  must  exhaust  the  spirits  in  a  very  great 
degree,  and  leave  the  body  in  a  weak  and  languid  state, 
and  sul'jject  it  to  harshness,  to  turn  eager  or  vapid  in  a 
short  time;  I  think  I  have  reason  to  conclude,  that  if 
the  husks  or  skins,  after  four  days  lying  in  the  murk, 
were  taken  out,  and  thrown  into  the  mash  vat,  and 
trod  over  again,  and  especially  if  some  of  the  must,  or 
rather  wine,  be  now  and  then  thrown  over  the  husks, 
in  order  to  wash  away  the  pulp,  that  a  full  tincture 
may  be  obtained;  without  torturing  the  wine,  as  the 
present  manner  is,  and  without  running  so  great  a  risk 
of  spoiling  it. 

Another  Method^  by  Joseph  Cooper^  Esq,  of  Gloucester 
county.  New  Jersey. 
I  put  a  quantity  of  the  comb  from  which  the  honey 
had  been  drained,  into  a  tub,  and  added  a  barrel  of 
cider,  immediately  from  the  press;  this  mixture  was 
well  stirred,  and  left  for  one  night.  It  was  then  strain- 
ed before  a  fermentation  took  place;  and  honey  was 
added  until  the  strength  of  the  liquor  was  sufficient  to 
bear  an  egg.  It  was  then  put  into  a  barrel;  and  after 
the  fermentation  commenced,  the  cask  was  filled  every 
day,  for  three  or  four  days,  that  the  filth  might  work 
out  at  the  bunghole.  When  the  fermentation  moderat- 
ed, I  put  the  l)ung  in  loosely,  lest  stopping  it  tight 
might  cause  the  cask  to  burst.  At  the  end  of  five  or  six 
weeks,  the  liquor  was  drawn  off  into  a  tub;  and  the 
whites  of  eight  eggs,  well  beat  up,  with  a  pint  of  clean 
sand,  were  put  into  it:  I  then  added  a  gallon  of  cider 
spirit;  and  after  mixing  the  whole  well  together,  I  re- 
turned it  into  the  cask,  which  was  well  cleansed, 
bunged  it  tight,  and  placed  it  in  a  proper  situation  for 


Materia  Medica. 


621 


racking  off,  when  fine.  In  the  month  of  April  follow- 
ing, I  drew  it  off  into  kegs,  for  use;  and  found  it 
equal,  in  my  opinion,  to  almost  any  foreign  wine:  in 
the  opinion  of  many  judges,  it  was  superior. 

This  success  has  induced  me  to  repeat  the  experi- 
ment for  three  years;  and  I  am  persuaded,  that  by 
using  clean  honey  instead  of  the  comb,  as  above  de- 
scribeo,  such  an  improvement  might  he  made,  as  would 
enable  the  citizens  of  the  United  States  to  supply  them- 
selves with  a  truly  federal  and  wholesome  wine,  which 
would  not  cost  a  quarter  of  a  dollar  per  gallon,  were 
all  the  ingredients  procured  at  the  market  price;  and 
would  have  this  peculiar  advantage  over  every  other 
wine,  hitherto  attempted  in  this  country,  that  it  contains 
no  foreign  mixture,  but  is  made  from  ingredients  pro- 
duced on  our  own  farms. 

VIOLET,  RATTLE  SNAKE, 

Grows  about  four  inches  high,  on  the  banks  of  rivers, 
and  in  pine  woods;  leaves  grow  in  a  cluster  from  a  stalk, 
oval-shaped,  fleshy,  and  full  of  small  veins;  flowers  of  a 
pale  blue  colour. 

An  infusion  of  this  plant,  a  handful  to  a  quart  of  boil- 
ing water,  taken  in  doses  of  a  tea- cupful  three  or  four 
times  a-day,  and  some  of  the  green  leaves  bruised,  and 
applied  twice  or  thrice  a-day,  to  scrofulous  tumours,  or 
king's  evil,  is  said  to  be  an  infallible  remedy. 

VIOLET,  SWEET. 

Viola  OdoratQy 

Is  cultivated  in  our  gardens;  leaves  heart-shaped, 
notched,  flower  deep  purple,  and  odoriferous. 

A  tea-spoonful  of  the  powdered  herb  is  celebrated  as 
a  mild  laxative.  To  children,  a  strong  infusion  or  de- 
coction formed  into  a  syrup  with  molasses,  honey,  or 
sugar,  in  doses  of  a  wine-glassful,  will  be  more  ac- 
ceptable. 


622 


Materia  Medica. 


VIRGIN'S  BOWER, 

Grows  about  two  feet  high,  near  ponds  and  low  pas- 
tures; leaves  opposite  in  pairs,  and  terminated  by  an 
odd  one,  the  flowers  somewhat  resemble  the  appearance 
of  feather  tails. 

A  sinall  handful  of  the  leaves  infused  in  a  quart  of 
boiling  water,  and  given  in  doses  of  a  gill  three  times 
a-day,  is  said  to  be  very  beneficial  in  venereal  sores,  or 
cutaneous  eruptions  of  long  standing,  particularly  if  the 
sores  are  washed  with  the  same.  The  bruised  green 
leaves  have  been  applied  to  ulcers,  as  an  escharotic,  to 
destroy  fungous  or  proud  flesh. 

VIRGINIA,  OR  BLACK  SNAKE  ROOT. 
Serpentaria  Vzrginiana^ 

Grows  in  rich  woodlands,  from  seven  to  nine  inches 
high,  leaves  heart-shaped,  flowers  of  a  purplish  brown 
colour.  The  root  is  composed  of  a  number  of  strings 
or  fibres,  issuing  from  one  head,  and  matted  together, 
of  a  brownish  colour  on  the  outside,  and  pale  or  yel- 
lowish within. 

It  has  an  aromatic  smell,  and  a  warm  bitterish  pun- 
gent taste.  It  promotes  perspiration,  raises  the  pulse, 
and  resists  putrefaction.  Hence  it  is  especially  adapted 
to  the  low  and  advanced  stage  of  typhus  or  nervous 
fever.  It  may  be  given  in  the  form  of  infusion  or  tea, 
a  handful  to  a  quart  of  boiling  water,  in  doses  of  a  tea- 
cupful,  or  in  powder,  from  ten  to  thirty  grains  every 
two  or  three  hours.  Conjoined  with  the  Peruvian  bark, 
or  any  of  its  substitutes,  it  is  an  admirable  remedy  in 
obstinate  cases  of  the  ague  and  fever,  and  other  dis- 
orders of  general  weakness.  In  cold  phlegmatic  habits, 
it  has  also  been  exhibited  in  the  form  of  tincture,  and 
when  united  with  double  the  quantity  of  dogwood  bark, 
or  berries,  it  affords  a  good  bitter.  Professor  Barton 


Materia  Medica, 


.623 


observes,  that  a  strong  decoction  of  the  root  was  used 
witli  gi\^at  benefit  as  a  gargle  in  a  putrid  sore  throat, 
which  prevailed  in  New  Jersey. 

Externally  applied,  the  decoction  has  been  found  to 
cure  ihe  itch. 

WAKE  ROBIN.  See  Cuckow  Pint, 

WALNUT,  WHITE. 

Jiiglans  Alba^ 

Affords  one  of  the  finest  cathartic  medicines  in  the 
whole  American  Materia  Medica.  The  inner  bark,  boiled 
for  several  hours,  then  strained  and  reboiled  to  the  con- 
sistence of  thick  honey,  forms  the  best  preparation  of 
this  invaluable  medicine.  A  common  sized  pill  or  two 
at  going  to  bed,  is  admirable  to  remove  those  costive 
habits,  which  occasion  head-achs,  loaded  stomachs, 
colics,  8vC.  And  in  increased  doses,  say  double  quanti- 
ties, it  will  be  found  a  sovereign  medicine  in  dysen- 
tery, bilious  fever,  and  all  other  complaints  requiring 
aperient  medicines,  more  especially  if  combined  with 
equal  quantities  of  calomel.  I  cannot  quit  this  extract 
without  most  heartily  recommending  it  to  every  Ameri- 
can family  to  keep  it  constantly  by  them. 

The  bark  of  the  root  is  excellent  to  raise  a  blister, 
therefore  may  be  substituted  for  Spanish  flies. 

WATER  CRESSES, 

Grows  in  running  brooks  and  wet  ditches. 

The  green  herb,  eaten  as  a  vegetable,  and  the  express- 
ed juice  in  doses  of  a  table-spoonful  two  or  three  times 
a  day,  is  an  effectual  remedy  for  the  scurvy. 


624 


Materia  Medica. 


WATER  TREFOIL.  See  Trefoil,  ITater. 

WHITE  BRYONY, 

Grows  in  low  meadows  and  swamps;  the  stems  twist 
about  bushes,  and  shoot  out  to  a  great  extent;  the  leaves 
pointed,  irregularly  toothed,  very  large,  diminishing 
gradually  to  the  top;  flowers  of  a  yellow  green,  which 
produce  a  red  berry;  the  root  is  white  and  large. 

A  very  strong  decoction  of  the  root  strained,  and  then 
simmered  slowly  by  the  fire,  until  it  become  of  the  con- 
sistence of  honey,  is  said  to  be  a  good  purgative  medi- 
cine in  doses  from  one  to  three  tea- spoonfuls. 

WHITE  WOOD.  See  Poplar. 

WILLOW- 

Salix, 

Professor  Barton  thinks  that  our  willows  possess 
nearly  the  same  virtues  that  have  been  ascribed  to  those 
of  Europe,  and  that  they  might  be  substituted  for  the 
Peruvian  bark.  The  bark  of  the  white  willow,  smooth 
willow,  and  crack  willow,  so  called  from  the  remark- 
able brittleness  of  its  branches,  collected  when  it 
abounds  with  sap,  has  been  successfully  employed  in 
intermittent  or  ague  and  fever,  in  doses  of  one  or  two 
drachms.  The  broad-leaved  willow  is  said  to  possess 
greater  virtues  than  either  of  the  above.  This  species 
may  be  distinguised  by  the  shape  of  its  leaves  from 
all  others,  except  the  bay- leaved  willow.  The  leaves 
of  the  latter  are  smooth  and  shining,  of  a  deeper  green, 
and  have  not  the  downy  appearance  on  the  under  sur- 
face, which  is  so  remarkable  in  this.  It  is  found  in 


Materia  Medica. 


625 


woods  and  hedges,  on  hilly  situations,  and  delights  in 
cold  clayey  moist  grounds. 

A  strong  decoction  of  this  bark  resembles  port  wine 
in  colour.  It  is  astringent  to  the  taste,  and  somewhat 
bitter.  According  to  Dr.  Wilkinson,  it  is  a  remedy  of 
great  efficacy  in  most  cases  where  the  Peruvian  bark  is 
indicated.  He  directs  one  ounce  and  a  half  (a  handful) 
of  the  bark  to  be  infused  in  one  quart  of  water  for  six 
hours,  then  boil  it  over  a  gentle  fire  for  a  quarter  of  an 
hour,  and  strain  for  use.  Of  this,  the  ordinary  dose  is  a 
is  a  wine-glassful  three  or  four  times  a  day.  But  in  ague 
and  fever,  the  dose  may  be  repeated  every  third  hour 
in  the  interval  of  the  fit. 

WINTERBERRY.  See  Mdery  Black. 
WINTERGREEN.  See  Calico  Tree. 

WOOD  BETONY, 

Grows  about  a  foot  high  in  upland  woods,  and  old 
pastures;  the  stem  sqtiare  and  hairy,  the  leaves  oppo- 
site,  and  h  iiry,  the  flowers  in  spikes  of  a  purple  colour. 

An  infusion  of  the  herb,  a  handful  to  a  quart  of  boil- 
ing water,  in  doses  of  a  tea  cupful  every  two  hours,  is 
said  to  be  serviceable  in  rheumatic  or  gouty  affections. 

WORMSEED.  See  Jerusalem  Oak. 
WORMWOOD.  See  Mugwort. 
YARROW, 

Grows  in  dry  pastures,  and  along  the  sides  of  fences, 
about  a  foot  high;  leaves  pointed,  flowers  white,  ting- 
ed with  a  little  purple  beneaih. 


4K 


626 


Materia  Medica. 


A  handful  of  the  tops  of  yarrow  infused  in  a  quart  of 
boiling  water,  in  doses  of  a  tea-cupful  three  or  four 
times  a  day,  is  reputed  to  be  a  valuable  medicine  in  the 
dysentery,  bleeding  piles,  and  restraining  immoderate 
flow  of  the  menses.  A  table- spoonful  of  the  expressed 
juice,  taken  twice  a  day,  and  the  herb  bruised,  or  in  the 
form  of  poultice,  is  said  to  have  cured  a  cancer  of  the 
breast.  The  green  leaves  pounded,  and  applied  over  a 
bruise,  dissipates  it  in  a  few  days. 


COLLECTION  AND  PRESERVATION 


OF 

VEGETJiBLE  SUBSTANCES. 


HERBS  and  leaves  are  to  be  gathered  in  dry  wea- 
ther, after  the  dew  is  off  them,  and  are  to  be  freed  from 
decayed,  widiered,  or  foreign  leaves.  They  are  usually 
tied  in  bundles,  and  hung  up  in  a  shady,  warm,  and 
airy  place,  or  spread  upon  the  floor,  and  frequently  turn- 
ed. If  very  juicy,  they  are  laid  upon  a  sieve,  and  dried 
by  a  gentle  degree  of  artificial  warmth.  They  should  be 
dried  in  such  quantities  at  a  time  that  the  process  may 
be  finished  as  quickly  as  possible;  for  by  this  means 
their  powers  are  best  preserved:  the  test  of  which  is,  the 
perfect  preservation  of  their  natural  colour. 

Flowers  ought  also  to  be  collected  in  clear  dry  wea- 
ther, after  the  dew  is  off,  immediately  after  they  have 
opened.  They  should  also  be  dried  nearly  as  leaves, 
but  more  quickly,  and  with  more  attention.  As  they 
must  not  be  exposed  to  the  sun,  it  is  best  done  by  a 
slight  degree  of  artificial  warmth. 

Barks  and  woods  should  be  collected  when  the  most 
active  part  of  the  vegetables  are  concentrated  in  them, 
which  happens  in  spring  and  in  autumn.  Spring  is 
preferred  for  resinous  barks,  and  autumn  for  those  that 
are  gummy.  Barks  should  be  taken  from  young  trees, 
and  freed  from  decayed  parts,  and  all  impurities. 

Seeds  and  fruits  are  to  be  gathered  when  ripe,  but  be- 
fore they  fall  spontaneously. 

Roots  which  are  annual,  should  be  collected  before 
they  shoot  out  their  stalks  or  flowers.  Those  which  are 
worm  eaten  or  decayed  are  to  be  rejected.  The  others 


628 


Materia  Medica, 


are  immediately  to  be  cleaned  with  a  brush  and  cold 
water,  letting  them  lie  in  it  as  short  time  as  possible; 
and  the  fibres  and  little  roots,  when  not  essential,  are 
to  be  cut  away.  Roots  which  consist  principally  of  fibres, 
and  have  but  a  small  top,  may  be  immediately  dried. 
If  they  be  juicy,  and  not  aromatic,  this  may  be  done  by 
a  moderate  heat;  but  if  aromatic,  by  simply  exposing 
them,  and  frequently  turning  them  in  a  current  of  cold 
dry  air.  If  very  thick  and  strong,  they  are  to  be  split 
or  cut  into  slices,  and  strung  upon  threads;  if  covered 
with  a  tough  bark,  they  may  be  peeled  fresh,  and  then 
dried.  Such  as  lose  their  virtues  by  drying,  or  are  di- 
rected to  be  preserved  in  a  fresh  state,  are  to  be  kept 
buried  in  dry  sand. 

The  proper  drying  of  vegetable  substances  is  of  the 
greatest  importance.  It  is  often  directed  to  be  done  in 
the  shade  and  slowly,  that  the  volatile  and  active  parti- 
cles may  not  be  dissipated  by  too  great  heat;  but  this 
is  an  error,  for  they  always  lose  infinitely  more  by  slow 
than  by  quick  drying.  When,  on  account  of  the  colour, 
they  cannot  be  exposed  to  the  sun,  and  the  warmth  of 
the  atmosphere  is  insufficient,  they  should  be  dried  by 
an  artificial  warmth  less  than  100*^  Fahrenheit,  and  well 
exposed  to  a  current  of  air.  When  perfectly  dry  and  fria- 
ble, they  have  little  smell;  but  after  being  kept  some 
time,  they  ar tract  moisture  from  the  air,  and  regain 
their  proper  odour. 


DISPENSATORY. 


HAVING  finished,  as  far  as  the  limits  of  this  work 
will  permit,  a  general  detail  of  the  practice  of  domestic 
medicine,  adapted  to  the  climate  of  our  country,  it  now 
only  remains  to  notice  the  medicines  requisite  for  family 
use,  and  to  point  out  the  best  forms  of  prescribing  them, 
in  the  treatment  of  the  different  diseases,  described  in 
the  preceding  parts  of  this  work. 

The  following  table  of  medicines  will  be  found  suffi- 
cient  to  answer  every  purpose  of  domestic  practice,  and 
the  expense  will  be  found  nothing,  compared  to  the 
great  advantages  which  must  result  from  being  constant- 
ly supplied  with  them.  To  render  the  work  still  more 
complete,  1  have,  in  this  table,  annexed  to  the  medicines, 
their  doses  according  to  the  age  of  the  patient;  observ- 
ing, however,  that  whatever  general  rule  may  be  given, 
it  can  only  be  applied  with  reference  to  the  habit  and 
state  of  the  patient.  The  judgment  of  the  person  who 
administers  the  medicine  must  therefore  be  exercised 
in  this  respect.  It  will  be  found  that  the  constitution  is 
often  attended  with  certain  peculiarities,  both  in  relation 
to  medicine  in  general,  and  also  to  certain  substances 
particularly,  which  knowledge  is  only  to  be  obtained 
by  experience. 


A.  TABLE  OF  MEDICINES 

FOR 

FAMILY  USE, 

WITH  THEIR 

DOSES  AND  QUALITIES  ANNEXED. 


These  doses  must  be  increased,  or  diminished^  accord- 
ing to  the  strength  and  habit  of  the  patient. 


^3^ 


A  Table  of  Medicines  for  Family  uscy 


Medicines. 


Ars.  solu.  of  (a) 

Antimonial  wine 

—as  a  diaphoretic 

Alum 

Aloes  . 

Arrow  root 

Balsam  capivi 

Balsam  Turlington 

Burley 

Bitters 

Borax  • 

Bark,  Peruv.  (b) 

Calomel 

Camphor 

Cream  of  tartar 

Caustic  vol  alk.  liq 

Corrosive  sublimate 

Columbo 

Chalk,  prepared 

Camomile  flowers 

Gastile  soap 

Cast(^r  oil 

Es>.  Pepper  Mint 

Elixir  Vitrol 

^ther  Vitriolic  (c) 

Flaxseed 

Gint^er 

Gamboge 

Gum  Arabic 

Hartshorn,  Spirit 

Honey 

Ipecacuanha 

Jalap 

Lunar  Caustic  • 

Laudanum 

Magnesia 

Manna 

Nitre 

Nitric  Acid 

Oil  of  Olive 

Opium"  (d) 

Oin  ment  Simple 
Saturnine 
Mercurial 
■  Basilicon 

Paregoric  Elixir 


Adult.         From  19  to  15   From  15  to  10    From  10 


5  to  12  drops 
3  to  4  drachms 
26  to  60  drops 
5  to  15  grains 
5  to  20  grains 


20  to  80  drops 
do.  do. 


2  to  4  drachms 


30  grs  to  2  dm: 
6  to  20  grains 
4  to  2C>grains 
4  to  12  drms. 
J  to  2  drms. 


30  to  U  drms. 
5  to  l^  grains 

3  to  1 5  grains 

4  to  8  drms. 
i  to  1}  drms. 


10. to  60  grs, 
25  to  50  grs. 


10  to  50  grains 
20  to  45  grains 


20  to  80  grs. 

4  to  12  drms. 
10  to  50  drops 
15  to  40  drops 

^  to  2  drms. 


5  to  25  grains 

6  to  12  grains 


I  to  1^  drms. 


15  to  30  grains 

1 5  to  40  grains 
A  to  3  grains 

20  to  60  drops 
i  to  2  drms 
I  to  2  ounces 

10  to  30  grains 


to. 3  grains 


1  to  4  drms. 


5  to  10  drops 

3  to  3^  drms. 
20  to  50  drops 

4  to  12  grs. 
4  to  1 8  grs. 


1 7  to  60  drops 
do.  do. 


I  to  3  drms. 


25  to  14  drms. 
4  to  10  grains 

2  to  10  grains 

3  to  8  drms. ' 
drm. 


20  to  60  grains 
3  to  10  drms. 
10  to  40  drops 
12  to  35  drops 
^  to  U  drms. 


5  to  20  grains 
5  to  10  grains 


I  to  1  drm. 


12  to  25  grains 
10  to  30  grains 


to  2^  grains 


15  to  50  drops 
I  to  lA  drm. 
1  to  1^  ounce 

10  to  25  grains 


I  to  2  grains 


1  to  3  drms. 


4  to  8  drops 
2^  to  3  drms. 
15  to  40  drops 
3  to  10  grains 
3^  to  15  grains 


15  to  40  drops 
do.  do. 


1  to  2  drms. 


i  to 


8  to  40  grains 
16  to  40  grains 


20  to  50  grains 
3  to  8  drms. 
8  to  3C  drops 
10  to  30  drops 
30  dps.  to  i  dm 


4  to  18  grains 
4  to  8  grains 


20  to  50  drops 


10  to  20  grains 
8  to  25  grains 
^  to  2  grains, 
12  to  40  drops 
20  grs.  to  1  dm 
^  to  1 J  ounce 
8  to  20  grains 


1  to  1  gram 


1  to  2  drms. 


3  to  6  dr 
2  to  2^  d 
12  to  30  d 

2  to  7  gr 

3  to   12  g;I 


1 2  to  30  d  p 
do.  0. 


20  to  1  dn 
3  to  8  gr 
2  to  6  gr. 
2  to  5  drii. 

25  to  50  d  p 


7  to  35  gil 
15  to  35  g 


15  to  40 
2|  o  6  di 
6  to  20  d 
8  to  20  d 

18  dps.  to 


3  to  15  g  r 
3  to  6  gr  1! 


1 5  to  30  di 


8  to  1 5  g 
6  to  20  g 

to  'i  ^ 
10  to  25  d 

1 5  to  50  g 

*  to  I  oui 

5  to  12  g 


50<}ps.  IJ 


With  their  Doses  and  Qualities  Annexed. 


633 


5  drops 
21  drms 


)  40  grains 
6  grains 
4  grains 
4  drms 
40  drops 


12  grains 


15  drops 


From  4  to  2    |    From  2  to  1 


1  to  4  drops 
1  lo  2  drms 
8  to  15  drops 
1  to  3  strains 
U  to  8  grains 


8  to  15  drops 
do.  do. 


12  to  30  8;rains 
2  to  5  grains 
I  to  3  grains 
I  to  3  drms 

15  to  30  drops 


5  to  20  grains 
10  to  25  grains 


10  to  25  graitis 
1-|  to  4  drms 

3  lo  12  drops 

4  to  10  drops 
12  to  40  drops 


2  to  10  grains 


5  to  10  'drops 


5  to.  10  grains 

4  to  12  grains 
t'^  to  ^  grain 

5  to  15  drops 
8  to  3Q  grains 
2  to  4  drms 

2  to  8  g;rains 


20  to  50  drops 


J«to  3  drops 
1  to  1^  drm. 
6  to  10  drops 


l.to  6  grains 


5  to  10  drops 
do.  do. 


10  to  25  grams 
2  to  4  grains 
1  to  2  grains 
■|  to  2  drms 

10  to  20  drops 


4  to  15  grains 
7  to  20  grains 


8  to  20  grains 

1  to  3  drms 

2  to  10  drops 
2  to  6  drops  • 
8  to  30  drops 


2  to  8  grains 


3  to  8  drops 


4  to  8  grains 
3  to  8  grains 


3  to  8  drops 
6  to  20  grains 
1  to  3  <lrms. 
1  to  6  grains 


1  to  3  drms. 


1 5  to  30  drops 

4L 


Under  one 


^  to  2  drops 
to  1  drm. 


2  —   

4  to  8  drops 


J  to  5  grains 


"3  to  8  drops 
do.*  do. 


6  to  16  grains 
1  lo  3  grains 
\  to  1  grain 
I  to  1  drm. 


5  to  10  drops 


2  to  10  grains 
5  to  12  grains 


5  to  10  grains 
1  to  ^  drms. 
I  to  6  drops 
1  to  4  drops 
5  to  10  drops 


1  to  6  grains 


2  to  6  drops 


1  to  5  grams 

2  to  5  grains 


2  to  6  drops 
4  to  10  grains 
i  to  2  drms. 
1  to  4  grains 

1  to  2  drms 


3  to  20  drops 


Qualities. 


Tonic  * 

Emetic 

Diaphoretic 

Astringent 

Cathartic 

Nutritious  food 

Corroborant 

Corroborant 

Nutritive 

Stomachic         •  . 
Deterg.  externally 
Ton.  and  antiseptic 
Active  purgative 
Stimulant 
Cooling  aperient  • 
Siimulant 
Anti-venereal 
Stomachic  and  tonic 
Absorbent 
Stomach.  8c  antisep. 
Attenuant  and.deter. 
Purgative 
Carminative 
Fonic  •* 
Stimulant 

Pectoral  &obtunding 

Aromatic 

Purgative 

Obtunding 

Stimulant 

Pectoral 

Emetic 

Purgative 

Stimulant 

Anodyne 

Absorbent 

Mild  aperient 

Diuretic  and  febrio 

Tonic  and  antiscor. 

Obtunding  and  open 

Anodyne  &c  antisep. 

Cooling  and  healing 

•ditto  ditto 
Discutient 
Digestive 

Anodyne  &  pectoral 


634 


A  Table  of  Medicines  for  Family  use, 


Medicines. 


Pink  Root,  Carolina 
Ul^ubarb  Powdered 
Rattle  Snake  Root 
Rusi  of  Steel 
Red  Precipitate 
Sug^ar  of  Lead 
Spanish  Flies 
Salts 

Salt  of  Tartar 
Spirits  of  Turp.  (e) 
Sal  Ammo.  Vola. 

 , crude 

Senna 

Spirits  of  Lavender 
Sulphur  flour 
Taniarinds 
Tartar  emetic  (f) 
Turner's  Cerate 
Tincture  of  Steel 

 rheumatic 

— —-bark 
— -i — rhubarb 

 foxglove 

cantharides 

 col  urn  bo 

 myrrh 

Vitriol  white, 

 as  a  tonic 

 blue 

Vir.  Snake  root 


Adult. 


15  to  50  grains 
.  5  to  25  grains 
1  to  6  grains 


4  to  16  drms. 
10  to  30  grains 


5  to  20  grains 


30  dps.  to  2  dms. 
2  to  8  dms. 


From  19  to  15 


12  to  45  grains 
4  to  20  grains 
1  to  5  grains 


4  to  14  drms 
10  to  25  grains 


5  to  15  grains 


2  to  6  grains 

8  to  18  drops 
^  to  1  ounce 
2  to  6  drams. 
4  dms.  to  2  oz. 
0  to  60  drops 

0  to  50  drops 

1  to  4  drms. 


20  to  60  grams 
2  to  5  grains 


1 0  to  20  grains 


25dps.tol^dms 
2  lo  6  drms. 


2  to  5  grains 


6  to  1 5  drops 

4  to' 6  drms. 

2  to  5  drms. 

4  dms.  to  1^  oz. 
10  to  50  drops 
10  to  45  drops 

1  to  3|  drms. 


18  to  50  grains 
1^  to  4  grains 


10  to  18  grains 


From  15  to  10 


10  to  40  grains 


3  to  15  grains 
i  to  4  grains 


3  to  12  drms. 
8  to  20  grains 


4  to  12  grains 


20  dps.  to  1  dm. 
1  to  4  drms. 


2  to  4  grains 


5  to '12  drops 

2  to  4  drms. 
li  to  4  drms. 

3  to  8  drms. 
8  to  40  drops 

10  to  40  drops 
1  to  3  drms. 


14  to  30  grains 
I  to  3^  grains. 


8  to  15  grains 


From  10 


8  to  30  gm 
H  to  3  gri 

ito  3  gri,< 


2  to  8  dr- 
6  to  1 2  g  I 


4  to  \('  .1 


15  to  50  dil 
1  to  3  drti 


i|  to  r;  g  n 

4  to  10  d  p 
1  to  3  dri 

1  to  31  di 

2  to  6  drn 
6  to  30  di 
8  to  30  di 

40dps.to2J 


6  to  1 5  gi 
I  to  2  grg 


6  to  10  gi 


A  TABLE  OF  MEDICINAL  COMPOSITIONS, 


Antimonial  Powders 
Antim.  Solu.or  mix. 
Anodyne  Sudor,  dps 
Absorbent  mixture 
Anti-dysenteric  mix 
Absor.  &  aperi.  mix 
Cathartic  mixture 
Camphor,  powders 
Camp,  julep  or  mix 
Decoc.or  infus.  bark 
Decoction  of  Seneka 


.8  to  15  grains 

3  to  6  drachms 
60  to  100  drops 

4  to  8  drachms 
6  to  12  dms. 


6  to  12  dms. 
10  to  15  grains 
6  to  8  dms. 
2  to  6  ounces 
6  to  12  dms. 


8  to  13  grains 

3  to  5  drachms 
60  to  90  drops 

4  to  6  dms. 
6  to  10  dms. 


6  to  10  dms. 
10  to  12  grains 

5  to  8  dms. 

2  to  5  ounces 

6  to  10  dms. 


7  to  12  grains 

2  to  4  drachms 
50  to  80  drops 

3  to  5  dms. 
5  to  8  dms. 


5  to  8  dms. 
8  to  12  grains 

4  to  6  dms. 

1|  to  4  ounces 

5  to  8  dms. 


6  to  8  gra 
l-»  to  3  df 
40  to  70  di 

3  to  4  dm' 

4  to  6  dre 


4  to  6  dm 
6  to  10  gi 

3  to  4  dm 
lA  to  31 0! 

4  to  6  dm 


JFith  their  Doses  and  Qualities  Annexed. 


635 


x)m  6  to  4 


From  4  to  2 


0  25  grains    5  to  20  grains 


0  10  grains 


3  3  grains 


0  6  drms. 
0  8  grains 

3  8  grains 


1  to  6  grains 


i  to  2  grains 


0  40  drops 
0  2  drms. 


0  2  grains 


.0  8  drops 
.0  2  drms. 
o  3  drms. 
.0  5  drms. 
.0  20  drops 
o  20  drops 
ips.  to  2  dms 


CO  10  grains 
,0  1  grain 


w  6  grains 


1|  to  4  drms. 
3  to  6  grains 


2  to  6  grains 


10  to  30  drops 
20  grs.  to  1  dm 


From  2  to  1 


4  to  12  grains 


A  to  2  grains 
■1  to  1  grain 


1  to  3  drms. 

2  to  4  grains 


U  to  4  grains 


Under  one. 


2  to  10  grains 


^  to  2  drms*. 
1  to  3  grains 


to  3  grains 


to  1  grain 


2  to  6  drops 
20  to  60  drops 

I  to  2  drms. 

\i  to  3  drms. 

4  to  15  drops 

4  to  15  drops 
20  dps  to  \i  dms 


2  to  5  grains 


1  to  4  grains 


6  to  20  drops 
10  to  40  grains 


f  to  1  grain 
1  to  5  drops 


^  to  1^  drm. 

1  to  2  drms. 

2  to  12  drops 
2  to  5  drops 

15  dps.  to  1  dm 


I  to  3  grains 


1  to  3  grains 


2  to  10  drops 
5  to  20  grains 


1  to  1  grain 

2  to  3  drops 


20  to  40  drops 
20  to  40  drops 
I  to  8  drops 
1  to  5  drops 
10  to  40  drops 


Qualities. 


Vermifuge 

Mild  cathartic 

Diaphoretic 

Tonic 

Escharotic 

Astringent  and  tonic 

Blistering 

Cathartic 

Absorbent  Sc  febrif. 

Stimulant 

Stimulant 

Discutient 

Purgative 

Cordial 

Aperient 

Cooling,  laxative 

Emetic 

Healing 

Tonic 

Anti-rheumatic 
Tonic 

Mild  cathar.  &  stom 
Diuretic 
Stimulant 
Tonic 

Detergent  * 

Emetic 

Tonic 

Escharotic 

Stimulant  &  stomae. 


WITH  THEIR  DOSES  AND  PROPERTIES. 


to  6  grains 
to  2  drachms 
to  60  drops 
to  3  drms. 
to  5  drms. 
to  4  drms. 
to  5  drms. 
to  8  grains 
to  4  drms. 
to  3  ounces 
to  5  drms. 


3  to  5  grains 

A  to  2  drachms 
20  t6  50  ^ops 

U  to  2^  drms. 
2^  to  4  drms. 

2  to  4  drms. 

2i  to  4  drms. 

4  to  6  grains 
1  to  3  drms. 

I  to  2  ounces 
2*  to  4A  drms. 


2  to  4  grains 
i  to  1  drm. 
10  to  30  drops 

1  to  2  drms. 

2  to  3  drms. 

1  to  3  drms. 

2  to  3  drms. 

3  to  5  grains 

1  to  2  drms. 

6  to  12  drms. 

2  to  4  drms. 


I  to  3  grains 
k  to  I  drachm 
5  to  20  drops 
I  to  1  drm. 
1  to  2  drms. 
^  to  2  drms. 

1  to  2  drms. 

2  to  4  grains 
i  to  1  drm. 
4  to  8  drms. 
1  to  3  drms. 


Diaphoretic 
Ditto. 

Anodyne  and  sudori. 
Absorbent 
Anti-dysenteric 
Absorb.  &  aperient 
Cooling  cathartic 
Stimu.  &  diaphoretic 
Stimulant 
Tonic 

Diaphoretic 


636 


A  Table  of  Medicinal  Compositions, 


Compositions. 

Adult 

From  19  to  15 

From  15  to  10 

From  10  A 

Febrifuge  powders 

 mixture 

Infusion  of  Columbo 

Saline  mixture 
Spirit  of  mindererus 
Syrup  of  flaxseed 
Tonic  powders 
Vitriolic  solution 

8  to  1 5  grains 
6  to  12  drms. 
1  to  3  ounces 
1  to  4  ounces 
6  to  8  drms. 
6  to  8  drms. 
6  to  8  drms. 
15  to  50  grains 
4  to  6  drms. 

8  to  13  grains 
6  to  10  drms. 
1  to  3  ounces 
1  to  3  oiinrps 
5  to  8  drms. 
5  to  8  drms. 
5  to  8  drms. 
12  to  40  grains 
3  to  5  drms. 

7  to  10  grains 
5  to  8  drms. 
1  to  2  ounces 

1  \f\  rkiinrpQ 

4  to  7  drms. 
4  to  7  drms. 
4  to  7  drms. 
10  to  30  grains 

2  to  4  drms. 

6  to  8  graiB 
4  to  8  drnl 
1  to  2  oun|l 

1  to  2  OUD(| 

4  to  6  drnr| 

4  to  6  drn . 
4  to  6  drir 
8  to  25  gris 

2  to  3  drm 

i 


JVith  their  Doses  and  Properties.  637 


om  6  to  4 

From  4  to  2 

From  2  to  I  ! 

Under  one 

Properties. 

)  6  grains 
)  6  drms. 
,  2  ounces 
)  3  ounces 
)  5  drms. 
)  5  drms. 
)  5  drms. 
)  20  grains 
to  2  Adms. 

3  to  5  grains 
3  to  5  drms. 
1  to  1  ounce 
to  1  ounce 
3  to  4  drms. 
3  to  4  drms. 

3  to  4  drms. 

4  to  12  grains 
1  to  2  drms. 

2  to  4  grains 
2  to  4  drms. 
2  to  6  drms. 
2  to  6  drms. 
2  to  3  drms. 
2  to  3  drms. 
2  to  3  drms. 
1  to  6  grains 
1  to  2  drms. 

1  lo  3  graiffs^ 
1  to  4  drms. 
1  to  4  drms. 
1  to  2  drms. 
1  to  2  drms. 
1  to  2  drms. 
I  to  2  drms. 
1  to  3  grains 
\  to  I  drm. 

Febrifuge 
Febrifuge 
ronic 

Ahsorh  and  Tonir 

Diaphoretic 

Diaphoretic 

Pect.  and  Obtunding 

Tonic 

Astringent 

NOTES  ON  THE  PRECEDING  TABLE. 


(a)  These  drops  should  not  be  taken  oftener  than  three  times  a 
day;  and,  like  all  other  powerful  mtdiclDes,  it  is  proper  to  com- 
mence with  the  smaller  doses,  and  gradually  increase  them. 

(b)  It  is  often  difficult  for  children  to  swallow  this  medicine,  and 
in  that  case,  employ  it  externally  in  the  following  manner:  Take 
a  piece  of  Hollynd  cut  in  the  form  of  a  waistcoat,  and  for  the  lining, 
get  humhums  of  an  open  texture.  Between  these  cloths,  from  three 
to  six  ounces  of  bark  must  be  closely  quilted,  and  then  the  waist- 
coat applied  on  the  naked  skin.  Every  two  or  three  days,  it  will 
be  necessary  to  rub  the  jacket  between  the  hands.  It  is  sometimes 
proper  to  unite  snake  root  with  the  bark.  (Vide  ague  and  fever.) 

(c)  This  medicine  should  be  swallowed  immediately  when  pour- 
ed out  of  the  vial,  on  account  of  its  instantaneous  evaporation. 

(d)  In  cases  of  tetany  or  obstinate  colic,  this  medicine  may  be 
given  in  much  larger  doses. 

(e)  This,  with  one  fourth  quantity  of  basilicon  ointment,  forms 
an  excellent  liniment  for  scalds  and  burns;  but,  when  these  are  ex- 
tensive, and  require  to  be  often  dressed,  the  liniment  should  be  ap- 
plied by  candle-light  with  extreme  caution,  as  it  so  highly  inflam- 
mable, that  the  smallest  spark  coming  in  contact  with  it,  would 
produce  an  immediate*  combustion.^ 

(/)  When  this  medicine  is  employed  as  an  emetic,  it  is  safest  to 
dissolve  the  full  dose  in  a  given  quantity  of  warm  water,  and  take 
one  fourth  of  the  mixture  every  ten  or  fifteen  minutes  until  vomit- 
ing ensue,  which  should  be  encouraged  by  drinking  freely  of  warm 
water,  and  afterwards  turned  downwards  by  taking  a  bowl  of  thin 
gruel  made  very  salt. 

EXPLANATION  OF  WEIGHTS  AND  MEASURES. 

20  grains  make  one  scruple, 

3  scruples  one  drachm, 

8  drachms  one  ounce, 

16  ounces  one  pint. 

A  tea-spoonful  is  equal  to  60  drops  or  one  drachm. 
A  table-spoonful  is  the  measure  of  half  an  ounce. 
A  large  wine  glassful  is  equal  to  two  ounces. 


DISPENSATORY. 


Recipe  1. 

ANTIMONIAL  POWDERS. 

Take  of 

Tartar  emetic,  three  grains 
Nitre,  two  drachms. 
Mix.  And  after  uniting  them  well  toerether  in  a  mortar, 
divide  into  doses,  according  to  the  age  of  the  patient. 
One  dose  to  be  taken  every  two  or  three  hours. 

In  obstinate  fevers  the  addition  of  ten  grains  of  calo- 
mel to  the  above  recipe,  will  render  the  medicine  more 
salutary. 

Recipe  2.  • 
CAMPHORATED  POWDERS. 

Take  of 

Camphor,  two  scruples 

Nitre  powdered,  two  drachms. 
Moisten  the  camphor  with  spirits,  and  after  reduc- 
ing it  to  a  fine  powder,  §dd^  the  nitre.  A  dose  to  be 
taken  every  two  or  three  hours  in  syrup. 

Recipe  3. 

FEBRIFUGE  POWDERS. 

Take  of 

Ipecacuanha,  one  scruple 
Nitre,  two  drachms. 
Mix.  A  dose  be  taken  every  two  or  three  hours. 


640 


Dispensatory, 


Recipe  4. 

TONIC  POWDERS. 

Take  of 

Col  umbo  in  powder,  and 

R  »si  of  steel,  each  one  ounce, 
Uniie  them  well  together  in  a  mortar,  and  then  divide 
into  doses  according  to  the  age  of  the  paiieni.  A  dose 
to  be  taken  thrice  a  day. 

Recipe  5. 

CHARCOAL  POWDER. 

Put  lumps  of  charcoal  a  second  time  into  the  fire 
until  they  are  red  hot;  then  take  them  out,  and  as  soon 
as  they  become  cool,  blow  off  the  external  ashes,  and 
immediately  reduce  them  to  a  fine  powder,  which  must 
be  kept  in  a  corked  bottle. 

This  powder  is  admirable  for  correcting  bad  breath, 
as  well  as  arresting  the  progress  of  mortification. 

Recipe  6. 

ANTIMONIAL  SOLUTION,  OR  MIXTURE. 

Take  of 

Tartar  emetic,  three  grains 

Spirits  of  lavender,  sixty  drops 

Sugar,  two  drachms 

Water,  half  a  pint. 
Mix.  A  dose  to  be  taken  every  two  or  three  hours.  ^ 

Recipe  7. 

VITRIOLIC  SOLUTION. 


Take  of 

White  vitriol,  three  drachms 
Alum,  two  drachms  . 


Dispensatory.  641 

Spirits  of  lavender,  half  an  ounce 

Boiling,  water,  one  pint. 
Mix.  A  dose  to  be  taken  every  morning  on  an  empty- 
stomach,  without  diluting  it,  and  in  some  cases  to  be 
repeated  every  six  hours.  When  evacuations  are  re- 
quired, the  quantity  of  alum  may  be  diminished  or  even 
entirely  omitted,  and  when  great  astringency  is  requir- 
ed, the  quantity  of  alum  is  to  be  increased,  and  the 
vitriol  to  be  diminished. 

Recipe  8. 
ABSORBENT  MIXTURE. 

Take  of 

Chalk,  prepared 
Gum  Arabic,  powdered 
White  sugar,  each  two  drachms 
Water,  four  ounces. 
Mix. 


Recipe  9. 

ABSORBENT  AND  APERIENT  MIXTURE, 

Is  made  by  adding  one  drachm  of  rhubarb  to  the 
above  recipe. 

Recipe  10. 


ANTI-DYSENTERIC  MIXTURE. 
Take  of 

Lemon  juice  or  best  vinegar,  two  ounces 
Common  salt,  as  much  as  the  acid  will  dissolve 
Strong  mint  tea,  half  a  pint 
White  sugar  sufficient  to  sweeten  it. 
Mix.  A  dose  to  be  taken  everv  two  or  or  four  hours. 

4M 


642 


Dispensatory. 


Recipe  11. 

CATHARTIC  MIXTURE. 

Take  of 

Glauber  salts,  one  ounce  and  a  half 
Lemon  juice  or  sharp  vinegar,  one  ounce 
Water,  half  a  pint 

Sugar,  a  sufficient  quantity  to  sweeten  it. 
Mix.  Or, 

Cream  of  tartar  finely  powdered,  and 

Manna,  each  one  ounce 

Water,  half  a  pint. 
Mix.  A  dose  to  be  taken  every  hour  until  it  operates. 

Recipe  12. 

CAMPHORATED  MIXTURE,  OR  JULEP. 

Take  of 

Camphor,  one  drachm, 

Gum  Arabic,  two  drachms 

White  sugar,  half  an  ounce 

Water,  half  a  pint. 
Moisten  the  camphor  with  spirits,  and  after  reducing 
it  to  a  powder,  add  the  gum  arabic  and  sugar,  and  then 
by  degrees  pour  on  the  water,  while  triturating  them 
together  in  a  mortar.  A  jdose  to  be  taken  every  two  or 
three  hours. 

Recipe  13. 

FEBRIFUGE  MIXTURE. 

Take  of 

Nitre,  two  drachms 

Lemon  juice  or  vinegar,  one  ounce 

Water,  half  a  pint 

Sugar,  a  sufficient  quantity  to  sweeten  it. 
Mix.  A  dose  to  be  taken  every  two  hours. 


Dispensatory* 


643 


Recipe  14. 

SALINE  MIXTURE. 

Take  of 

Salt  of  tartar,  two  drachms 
Lemon  juice  or  vinegar,  one  ounce  and  a  half 
Water,  half  a  pint. 
Mix.  A  dose  to  be  taken  every  two  hours. 


Recipe  15. 

SPIRIT  OF  MINDERERUS. 

Take  of* 

Volatile  sal  amijnoniac,  two  drachms 
Lemon  juice  or  vinegar,  half  a  pint,  or  as  much  as 
may  be  sufficient  to  saturate  the  volatile  alkali. 
A  dose  to  be  taken  every  two  hours. 


Recipe  16. 

NITRIC  ACID  DILUTED. 

Take  of 

Nitric  acid,  one  to  two  drachms 
Water,  one  quart. 
Mix.  As  this  acid  is  not  always  to  be  got  of  equal 
strength,  it  would  be  best  to  make  a  quart  of  water  as 
sour  with  it  as  can  be  drank,  which  quantity  may  be 
taken  daily  by  an  adult,  in  small  and  repeated  doses, 
and  to  prevent  its  injuring  the  teeth,  it  should  be  suck- 
ed through  a  quill. 

Recipe  1T> 

ANODYNE  SUDORIFIC  DROPS. 

Take  of 

Laudanum,  one  part 
Antimonial  wine,  two  parts. 
Mix. 


644 


Dispensatory. 


Recipe  18. 

ANODYNE  SUDORIFIC  DRAUGHT, 

Is  prepared  by  adding  a  dose  of  the  above  drops  to 
a  cup  of  sweetened  tea. 

,  Recipe  19. 

TONIC  DROPS.  See  Tincture  of  Steel. 
A  dose  to  be  taken  thrice  a-day. 

Recipe  20. 

ANODYNE  SUDORIFIC  BOLUS. 

Take  of 

Opium,  one  grain 

Ipecacuanha,  ten  grains 

Syrup  sufficient  to  form  a  bolus. 
Or,  Opium  and  tartar  emetic,  each  one  grain 

Mucilage  of  gum  Arabic  sufficient  to  form  a  pill. 

Recipe  21. 

STIMULANT  PURGATIVE  PILLS. 
Take  of 

Calomel  and  gamboge,  each  one  drachm 
Soap,  ten  grains 
Syrup  sufficient  to  form  a  mass. 
Beat  them  loge^ht  r,  ;uid  then  make  twenty-four  pills. 
Dose  f<^r  an  adult,  from  three  lo  six.  Or, 
Calomel 
Aloes  and 

Soap,  each  one  drachm 

Syrup  sufficient  to  form  a  mass. 


Dispensatory, 


645 


To  be  divided  into  thirty-six  pills.  Dose  for  an  adult, 
from  four  to  eight.  Or, 
Calomel,  one  drachm 
Jalap,  two  drachms 
Soap,  ten  grains 

Syrup  or  mucilage  sufficient  to  form  a  mass. 
To  be  divided  into  thirty-six  pills.  Dose  for  an  adult, 
from  six  to  eight. 

Recipe  22. 

PILLS  OF  SUGAR  OF  LEAD  AND  IPECACU- 
ANHA. 

Take  of 

Sugar  of  lead  and 

Ipecacuanha,  each  six  grains 

Opium,  one  grain. 

Syrup  sufficient  to  form  a  mass. 
Divide  in  four  parts;  one  pill  to  be  taken  every 
three  hours,  until  the  hemorrhage  ceases. 

Recipe  23. 
TONIC  PILLS. 

Add  a  sufficient  quantity  of  syrup  to  the  tonic  pow- 
ders,  to  form  a  mass,  and  make  pills  of  an  ordinary  size. 
The  number  constituting  a  dose,  to  be  taken  thrice  a 
day. 

Recipe  24. 

VITRIOLIC  PILLS. 

Add  a  little  crumb  of  bread,  to  any  given  quantity  of 
white  vitriol,  and  syrup  sufficient  to  form  a  mass;  then 
divide  the  mass  into  as  many  parts  as  there  are  doses 
of  white  vitriol,  according  to  the  age  of  the  patient.  One 
pill  to  be  taken  thrice  a  day. 


645 


JOispensatory. 


Recipe  25. 

MERCURIAL  PILLS. 

Take  of 

Calomel,  one  drachm 
Opium  and 

Tartar  emetic,  each  ten  grains 
Crumb  of  bread  a  small  quantity 
Syrup,  or  mucilage  of  gum  Arabic,  sufficient  to 
form  a  mass. 

Divide  into  forty  parts.  One  pill  to  be  taken  night 
and  morning  by  an  adult. 

Recipe  26. 

MERCURIAL  SOLUTION. 

Take  of 

Corrosive  sublimate,  twenty-four  grains 
Laudanum,  half  an  ounce 
Spirits,  one  pint  and  a  half. 
Mix.  Dose  for  an  adult,  from  three  to  six  drachms, 
twice  a  day. 

Recipe  27, 

SATURATED  SOLUTION  OF  ARSENIC. 
Take  of 

Arsenic  in  powder,  about  one  drachm 
Water,  half  a  pint. 
Boil  it  for  half  an  hour  in  a  Florence  flask,  or  in  a  tin 
sauce-pan;  let  it  stand  to  subside,  and  when  cold,  filter 
it  through  paper.  To  two  ounces  of  this  solution,  add 
half  an  ounce  of  spirit  of  lavender.  A  dose  to  be  taken 
twice  or  thrice  a  day. 


Dispensatory, 


647 


Recipe  28. 

SOLUTION  OF  CRUDE  SAL  AMMONL\C. 

Dissolve  half  an  ounce  of  crude  sal  ammoniac  in  one 
pint  and  a  half  of  cold  water,  and  then  add  half  a  pint 
of  vinegar. 

Recipe  29. 

ASTRINGENT  WASHES, 

Take  of 

Lime  water,  half  a  pint 

Brandy,  four  ounces. 
Mix.  Or, 

Lime  water,  half  a  pint 

Corrosive  sublimate,  fifteen  grains. 
Mix.  Or, 

Lime  water,  half  a  pint 

Tincture  of  myrrh,  one  ounce. 
Mix.  Or, 

Make  a  solution,  either  of  lunar  caustic  or  blue  vi- 
triol in  water,  of  sufficient  strength  to  produce  a  little 
smarting.  To  be  applied  on  lint  to  the  sore. 

Recipe  30. 

SOLUTION  OF  KALI. 

Dissolve  from  one  to  two  drachms  of  salt  of  tartar,  in 
half  a  pint  of  water,  to  be  applied  as  the  above. 

Recipe  31, 

LIME  WATER. 

Pour  two  gallons  of  water  graduajly,  upon  a  pound 
of  fresh  burnt  quicklime;  and  when  the  ebullition 


648 


Dispensatory. 


ceases,  stir  them  well  together;  then  suffer  the  whole 
to  stand  at  rest  till  the  lime  has  settled;  after  which 
strain  off  the  clear  liquor,  and  keep  it  in  vessels  closely 
stopt. 

Calcined  oyster- shells  may  be  used  instead  of  quick- 
lime. 

Recipe  32. 

TAR  WATER. 

Pour  a  gallon  of  water  on  two  pounds  of  tar,  and 
stir  them  strongly  together  with  a  wooden  rod.  When 
they  have  stood  to  settle  two  days,  pour  off  the  water 
for  use. 

Recipe  33. 

CAUSTIC  ALKALI,  OR  SOAP-LEES. 

Mix  two  parts  of  quicklime,  with  one  of  pot-ashes; 
and  suffer  them  to  stand  till  the  lixivium  be  formed, 
which  must  be  carefully  filtrated  through  paper,  before 
it  be  used.  If  the  solution  does  not  happen  readily,  a 
small  quantity  of  water  may  be  added  to  the  mixture. 

Recipe  34. 

ANODYNE  WATER. 

Take  of 

Rose  or  common  water,  two  ounces 
Laudanum,  two  drachms. 
Mix. 


Dispensatory* 


649 


Recipe  35. 

SATURNINE,  OR  LEAD  WATER. 

Take  of 

Sugar  of  lead,  two  drachms 

Water,  one  pint  and  a  half. 
Mix.  Or, 

Extract  of  lead,  two  drachms 

^irits,  half  an  ounce 

vVater,  one  pint  and  a  half. 
Mix  the  extract  and  spirits,  and  then  add  the  water. 

Recipe  36. 

DECOCTION  OF  BARK. 

Take  of 

Bark,  one  ounce 

Boiling  water,  one  pint. 
Simmer  them  together  for  ten  minutes,  and  strain  off 
the  liquor. 


Recipe  37. 

COLD  INFUSION  OF  BARK, 

Mix  one  ounce  and  a  half  of  bark  in  powder,  in  a 
quart  of  water;  let  it  stand  twenty-four  hours,  occasion- 
ally shaking  the  bottle,  and  then  strain  off  the  liquor. 
This  preparation  is  superior  to  the  decoction.  A  dose 
to  be  taken  every  hour  or  two. 

4N 


650 


Dispensatory^ 


Recipe  38. 

PURGATIVE  INFUSION. 

Take  of 

Senna,  two  drachms 
Salts  and 

Manna,  each  half  an  ounce 
Boiling  water,  three  gills. 
A  large  wine-glassful  of  the  infusion  to  be  taken 
every  hour  by  an  adult,  until  it  operates.  n 

Recipe  39. 
INFUSION  OF  COLUMBO. 

Take  of 

Columbo  bruised,  three  drachms 
Boiling  water,  half  a  pint. 
Mix.  After  steeping  for  one  hour,  pour  off  the  in- 
fusion. 


Recipe  40. 

COMMON  GARGLE. 

Take  of 

Barley  water,  or 
Flaxseed  tea,  half  a  pint 
Crude  sal  ammoniac,  one  drachm. 
Mix.  Or, 

Sage  tea,  half  a  pint 
Vinegar,  half  an  ounce 
Nitre,  one  drachm 
Honey,  one  ounce. 
Mix. 


Dispensatory,  651 


Recipe  41. 

ASTRINGENT  GARGLE. 

Take  of 

Sage  tea,  or 

Infusion  of  roses,  half  a  pint 

Vinegar,  and 

Honey,  each  two  ounces 

Ahim,  half  a  drachm. 
Mix.  Or, 

Infusion  of  oak,  or 

Peruvian  bark,  half  a  pint 

Honey,  one  ounce 

Alum,  half  a  drachm. 
Mix. 

Recipe  42, 

DETERGENT  GARGLE. 

Take  of 

Astringent  gargle,  half  a  pint 
Tincture  of  myrrh,  from  half  an  ounce  to  an  ounce. 
Mix. 

Recipe  43. 

ITCH  LOTION. 

Take  of 

Corrosive  sublimate,  one  drachm 
Crude  sal  ammoniac,  two  drachms 
Water,  one  pint  and  a  half. 
Mix. 


652 


Dispensatory. 


Recipe  44. 

INJECTIONS. 

Take  of 

White  vitriol  and  * 

Sugar  of  lead,  each  one  scruple 

Mucilage  of  gum  Arabic,  or 

Common  water,  half  a  pint. 
Mix,  and  after  standing  ten  or  fifteen  minutes,  strain 
off  the  clear  liquor.  An  ordinary  syringe  full,  to  be 
thrown  up  the  urethra  six  or  eight  times  a  day,  after 
making  water.  Or, 

Recipe  45. 

Dissolve  thirty  grains  of  white  vitriol,  in  half  a  pint 
of  mucilage  of  gum  Arabic  or  water.  To  be  used  as 
the  above.  Or, 

Recipe  46. 

Dissolve  one  grain  and  a  half  of  corrosive  sublimate 
mercury  in  lialf  a  pint  of  water.  To  be  used  as  the 
above. 

These  injections  may  be  made  weaker  and  stronger, 
according  to  circumstances. 

Recipe  47* 

EMOLLIENT  GLYSTER. 

Take  of 

Flaxseed  tea  and 
Milk,  each  six  ounces. 
Mix.  Or, 


Dispensatory, 


653 


Recipe  48. 

Warm  water,  half  a  pint 
Molasses,  four  ounces,  or, 
Sweet  oil  and 

Brown  sugar,  each  two  ounces. 
Mix.  If  one  drachm  of  laudanum  be  added  to  either 
of  the  above  formulae,  it  forms  the  anodyne  glyster. 

Recipe  49. 

STIMULATING  GLYSTER. 

Take  of 

Common  salt  and 

Brown  sugar,  each  one  ounce 

Olive,  or 

Castor  oil,  two  ounces 
Water,  half  a  pint. 
Mix. 

Recipe  50. 

ANTIMONIAL  WINE. 

Take  of 

Glass  of  antimony  powdered,  two  ounces 
Madeira  wine,  two  pints. 
Digest  for  twelve  days,  now  and  then  shaking  the 
bottle,  and  then  strain  through  paper. 

Recipe  51. 

LAUDANUM,  OR  THEBAIC  TINCTURE. 

Take  of 

Purified  opium,  two  ounces 

Brandy,  two  pints. 
Digest  for  eight  or  ten  days,  frequently  shaking  the 
bottle,  then  strain  off  the  tincture. 


654 


Dispensatory, 


Recipe  52, 

TINCTURE  OF  RHUBARB. 

Take  of 

Rhubarb,  three  ounces 
Lesser  cardamom  seeds,  or 
Ginpfer,  bruised,  half  an  ounce 
Brandy,  or 
Rum,  two  pints. 
Digest  for  eight  or  ten  days,  and  then  strain. 


Recipe  53. 

TINCTURE  OF  BARK. 

Take  of 

Peruvian  bark,  powdered,  two  ounces 
Orange  peel,  and 

Virginia  snake  root,  each  half  an  ounce 
Brand}',  or 
Rum,  two  pints. 
Digest  for  eight  or  ten  days,  and  strain. 


Recipe  54. 

TINCTURE  OF  COLUMBO. 

Take  of 

Columbo  root,  bruised,  three  ounces 
Brandy,  two  pints. 
Digest  for  several  days,  and  strain. 


Dispensatory.  655 
Recipe  55. 

TINCTURE  OF  FOXGLOVE. 

Take  of 

Dried  leaves  of  foxglove,  one  ounce 
Brandy,  half  a  pint. 
Digest  for  a  week,  and  strain  through  paper. 

Recipe  56. 

TINCTURE  OF  CANTHARIDES. 
Take  of 

Cantharides  bruised,  two  drachms 
Brandy,  one  pint. 
Digest  for  seven  or  eight  days,  and  then  strain. 

Recipe  57. 

TINCTURE  OF  MYRRH. 

♦ 

Take  of 

Myrrh  in  powder,  one  ounce  and  a  half 
Spirits,  one  pint. 
Digest  for  seven  days,  and  strain. 

Recipe  58. 

PAREGORIC  ELIXIR,  OR  CAMPHORATED 
TINCTURE  OF  OPIUM, 

Take  of 

Purified  opium 
Flowers  of  benzoin 
Camphor,  and 
-       Essential  oil  of  aniseed,  each  two  drachms 
Brandy,  two  pints. 
Digest  for  eight  or  ten  days,  frequently  shaking  the 
bottle,  and  then  strain  the  elixir. 


656 


Dispensatory. 


Recipe  59. 

TURLINGTON'S  BALSAiM,  OR  COMPOUND 
TINCTURE  OF  BENZOIN. 

Take  of 

Benzoin,  three  ounces 
Balsam  of  Tolu,  one  ounce 
Aloes,  half  an  ounce 
Brandy,  two  pints. 
Digest  for  seven  days,  and  strain. 


Recipe  60. 

RHEUMATIC  TINCTURE. 

Take  of 

Gum  guaiac 

Vitriolated  tartar  in  powder,  each  three  ounces 
Spirits,  two  pints. 
Digest  for  eight  or  ten  days,  and  strain.  A  dose  to 
be  taken  twice  or  thrice  a  day. 


Recipe  61. 
BITTERS. 

Take  of 

Gentian  root,  two  ounces 
Orange  peel,  and 
White  canella,  each  ounce 
Brandy,  two  pints. 
Digest  for  several  days,  and  then  strain. 


Dispensatory* 


657 


Recipe  62. 

CAMPHORATED  SPIRITS,  OR  TINCTURE 
OF  CAxMPHOR. 

Take  of 

Camphor,  two  ounces 

Brandy,  one  pint. 
Mix  thcni  together,  that  the  camphor  may  be  dis- 
soivcd. 

Recipe  63. 

OPODELDOC,  OR  SOAP  LINIMENT. 
Take  of 

Castile  soap  powdered,  three  ounces 
Camphor,  one  ounce 
Brandy,  one  pint. 
Digest  the  soap  in  the  spirit  by  the  fire  until  it  is 
dissolved,  and  then  add  the  camphor. 

Recipe  64. 

VOLATILE  LINIMENT,  OR  AMMONIATED 

OIL. 

Take  of 

Olive  Oil,  two  ounces 
Hartshorn,  one  ounce. 
Mix. 

Recijye  65. 

CAMPHORATED  OIL. 

Take  of 

Camphor,  half  an  ounce 

Olive  oil,  two  ounces. 
Moisten  the  camphor  with  a  little  spirit,  and  then 
rub  it  in  a  mortar  with  the  oil,  until  dissolved. 

4  O 


658 


Dispensatory* 


Recipe  66. 

HiEMORRHOIDAL  OINTMENT. 

Take  of 

Galls  levigated,  two  parts 
Hogs  lard,  eight  parts. 
Mix. 

Recipe  67. 
SIMPLE  OINTMENT. 

Take  of 

Olive  oil,  five  parts 

White  wax,  two  parts.  - 
Mix  them  together  by  a  slow  fire,  and  stir  until  it  is 
cold. 

Recipe  68. 

SATURNINE  OINTMENT. 

Take  of 

Sugar  of  lead,  two  drachms 

White  wax,  two  ounces 

Olive  oil,  half  a  pint. 
Rub  the  sugar  of  lead  previously  powdered,  with 
some  part  of  the  olive  oil;  then  add  it  to  the  wax  melt- 
ed with  the  remaining  oil,  and  stir  the  mixture  until  it 
be  cold. 


Recipe  69. 

MERCURIAL  OINTMENT. 


Take  of 

Quick-silver,  and 

Hogs  lard,  each  one  pound 


Dispensatory, 


659 


Tallow,  one  ounce 

Spirits  of  turpentine,  half  an  ounce. 
First  triturate  the  quick- silver  with  the  tallow  and 
spirits  of  turpentine,  until  the  globules  entirely  disap- 
pear; then  add  the  lard  and  form  it  into  an  ointment. 

Recipe  70, 

BASILICON  OINTMENT. 

Take  of 
Rosin, 

Bees-wax,  each  one  pound 
Hogs  lard,  one  pound  and  a  half. 
Melt  them  together  by  a  slow  fire,  and  strain  the 
mixture  while  hot. 

Recipe  71. 

TURNER'S  CERATE. 

Take  of 

Calamine  prepared 

Yellow  wax,  each  half  a  pound 

Hogs  lard,  one  pound. 
Melt  the  wax  with  the  lard,  and  as  soon  as  the  mix- 
ture, exposed  to  the  air,  begins  to  thicken,  mi^with  it 
the  calamine,  and  stir  the  cerate  until  it  be  cold. 

Recipe  72. 
BLISTERING  PLASTER. 

Take  of 
Wax 
Rosin 

Tallow,  and 

Cantharides,  each  equal  parts. 


660 


Dispensatory. 


Havin,^  melted  the  three  first  ingredients  together, 
sprinkle  and  mix  in  the  flies  powdered,  a  little  before 
they  become  firm. 

When  I  he  blistering  plaster  is  not  at  hand,  its  place 
may  be  supplied  by  sprinkling  the  flies  over  any  oint- 
ment or  paste,  spread  thin  on  leather  or  cloth. 

Recipe  73. 

SINAPISMS. 

Take  of 

Good  mustard,  and 

Flour,  or  crumbs  of  bread,  each  equal  parts 
Sharp  vinegar,  suflBcient  to  form  a  poultice. 
It  may  be  rendered  more  stimulating  if  necessary,  by 
the  addition  of  a  little  garlic  or  horse-radish. 


^ 


APPENDIX. 


BILIOUS  FEVER. 

(referred  to  in  page  290.) 

IT  was  this  disease  commissioned  by  Heaven  to  ter- 
minate the  earthly  existence  of  that  amiable  young  fo- 
reigner, Dr.  MoNTEATH,  of  the  British  army. 

But  how  can  I  think  of  him  or  his  early  fate  without 
thinking  at  the  same  time  of  the  24th  of  August,  that 
dark  and  dismal  day!  the  darkest  and  most  dismal  of 
all  in  the  American  calendar,  which  threw  such  a  gloom 
over  the  rising  glories  of  my  country! 

But  a  short  time  before  that  awful  tragedy,  I  was 
congratulating  myself,  so  little  do  we  know  what  is  be- 
fore us,  as  being  happily  situated  in  a  city  founded  by 
the  great  Washington  himself,  and  called  after  his  name: 
a  city  where  liberal  nature  had  done  so  much,  and  where 
art  and  population  alone  were  requisite  to  erect  an  em- 
porium that  should  vie  with  the  noblest  cities  of  the  an- 
cient world,  and  through  time  immemorial  display  the 
grandeur  of  its  high  original.  But  a  few  days,  I  say, 
before  this,  I  was  indulging  a  train  of  thoughts  so  pleas- 
ing to  the  patriotic  bosom,  when  I  heard  that  the  Bri- 
tish squadron  in  the  Chesapeake  bay,  having  received 
a  reinforcement,  had  landed  a  small  army  at  Benedict, 
on  the  river  Patuxent.  Many  of  my  neighbours  ap- 
peared to  be  much  alarmed  that  the  enemy  should  be 
so  near.  But,  for  myself,  I  can  truly  say,  that  my  bo- 
som was  never  more  entirely  a  stranger  to  panic,  than 
at  that  season;  for  I  was  firmly  persuaded  that  the  en- 
emy could  have  no  other  object  in  view,  than  the  des- 
truction of  our  flotilla,  which  unfortunately  had  been 
chased  some  weeks  before  up  the  Patuxent.  I  could 
not  for  a  moment  suppose  it  possible,  that  he  would 


Capture  of  Washington. 

have  had  the  temerity  to  approach  this  place,  particu- 
larly after  giving  so  long  notice  of  the  arrival  of  the 
van  of  admiral  Cochrane's  fleet,  which  was  about  the 
middle  of  July.  And  it  was  very  natural  for  them  to  ex- 
pect our  government  would  adopt  the  necessary  pre- 
caution of  having  a  force  competent  at  least  to  prevent 
the  destruction  of  our  city. 

What!  to  make  an  attack  on  Washington,  the  me- 
tropolis of  the  United  States,  and  in  the  interior  too!  fif- 
ty miles  from  their  shipping,  with  woods  and  forests 
enough  between  to  give  our  marksmen  an  opportunity 
to  cut  off  ten  times  their  number!  Under  these  circum- 
stances will  they  ever  dream  of  attacking  Washington? 
No,  never.  With  far  better  chance  they  attacked  Fort 
Stevenson,  and  also  Sackctt's  Harbour,  and  Fort  Erie; 
but  the  gallant  Croghan,  Brown,  Backus,  Scott,  Gaines, 
Ripley,  Towson,  &c.  soon  gave  them  cause  to  repent  of 
their  temerity.  And  will  they  now  dare  invade  the  city  of 
Washington,  with  such  an  immense  population  between, 
and  such  large  cities  to  aid,  and  the  President,  Mr.  Mun- 
roe.  Gen.  Armstrong,  Capt.  Jones,  and  Gen.  Winder 
to  protect?  Such  was  my  reasoning,  and  a  very  fair 
way  of  reasoning  too,  I  thought.  And  I  was  encou- 
raged in  this  belief,  by  learning  that  the  President  and 
his  cabinet  were  in  high  spirits,  and  that  Gen.  Win- 
der, with  only  a  small  detachment  of  his  army,  under 
the  command  of  the  gallant  Major  Peter,  of  Georgetown, 
had  held  the  enemy  in  check  for  a  day  or  two. 

But,  behold!  on  the  evening  of  the  23d,  Gen.  Win- 
der retreated  precipitately  to  Washington.  However,  I 
was  not  still  without  some  consolation;  for,  on  the 
same  evening.  Col.  Minor,  with  his  regiment  from  Vir- 
ginia, arrived  in  the  city  a  little  after  sun-set.  Immedi- 
ately on  his  arrival,  he  requested  me  to  present  him  to 
the  President,  which  I  did,  as  I  also  did  my  worthy 
school-mate.  Dr.  Peake,  surgeon  of  the  regiment. 

We  had  not  long  been  seated  before  the  President  ob- 
served that  Col.  Minor  ought  to  have  reported  himself 
to  the  Secretary  of  war;  consequently  we  hastened  to 
the  lodgings  of  Gen.  Armstrong.  After  Col.  Minor  had 


Capture  of  Washington. 


663 


held  a  short  interview  with  the  secretary,  he  returned 
with  me  to  my  house.  On  the  way,  instead  of  anima- 
ting my  hopes,  he  became  as  it  where  Job's  comforter, 
observing,  such  was  the  astonishing  indiiference  mani- 
fested on  this  occasion,  that  he  felt  no  hesitation  to  de- 
clare it  as  his  opinion,  that  the  city  would  be  sacrificed. 
Instead  of  being  immediately  supplied  with  arms  and 
ammunition,  he  was,  it  seems,  instructed  to  make  his 
men  put  in  order  the  few  guns  which  they  had  brought 
with  them,  and  in  the  morning  to  report  himself  to  Col. 
Carberry,  who  would  furnish  additional  arms!  Early 
next  morning  Col.  Minor  made  application  for  the  arms; 
but  was  informed  Col.  Carberry  had  gone  out  to  his 
country  seat  the  evening  before!  After  several  hours 
spent  in  most  painful  waiting  for  his  return.  Col.  Minor 
was  authorised  by  Gen.  Winder  to  get  the  arms  by  any 
means.  About  this  time  Col.  Carberry  rode  up.  But, 
behold!  another  cause  of  delay  was  presented.  The 
arms  were  dealt  out  at  last,  but  without  flints!  and  in- 
stead of  throwing  them  out  by  handfuls,  they  were  ac- 
tually counted  out,  one  by  one^  as  carefully  as  if  they 
had  been  so  many  guineas.  And  it  is  a  fact,  that  after 
counting  out  a  considerable  number,  the  man  employed 
in  this  economizing  business,  fearing  he  had  miscounted, 
insisted  upon  counting  them  over  again! 

Thus  was  our  republic,  at  this  awful  crisis,  deprived 
of  the  services  of  Col.  Minor  and  his  regiment.  For, 
in  consequence  of  the  above  shameful  delay,  they  were 
not  able  to  johi  the  army  before  the  retreat. 

Receiving  good  information  that  the  enemy  was  in  ra- 
pid march  for  Bladensburg,  Gen.  Winder,  then  lying 
near  the  Eastern  branch  bridge,  moved  on  to  meet  him 
there,  where  Gen.  Stansbury,  with  his  brigade  from 
Baltimore,  was  stationed. 

The  reader  will  observe  that  Bladensburg  is  a  small 
village,  about  five  miles  from  the  capital,  on  the  Anecos- 
tic  or  Eastern  branch,  where  it  is  narrowed  to  a  creek, 
which  is  passed  on  a  bridge,  and  is  every  where  above 
foidable.  The  village  lies  on  the  east  side  of  this 
creek.  On  the  west  is  a  fine  rising  ground,  with  fences 
and  bushes  favourable  to  an  invaded  force  of  good 


664 


Capture  of  Washingtotu 


marksmen,  besides  a  small  breast- work  which  was  has- 
tily cast  up.  This  spot  Generals  Winder  and  Stansbury 
fixed  on  to  receive  the  enemy,  who,  about  twelve 
o'clock,  came  in  full  view  on  the  hills  of  Biadensburg, 
and  very  soon  afterwards  the  battle  commenced. 

The  enemy  finding,  on  getting  near  the  bridge,  he 
should  have  to  pass  a  defile  between  the  creek  and 
marsh  in  front  of  our  battery,  instantly  displayed  a  hea- 
vy column  to  the  right,  and  passed  the  ford  higher  up 
the  creek.  This  judicious  movement,  by  deprivmg  our 
men  of  the  promised  advantages  of  their  battery,  as  also 
presenting  an  appearance  of  an  attempt  to  surround 
them,  excited  both  alarm  and  despondence.  The  Bri- 
tish having  but  one  or  two  six-pounders,  and  knowing 
that  the  whole  success  of  the  expedition  depended  on 
carrying  every  thing  with  a  coup  de  main,  pushed  on 
with  a  rapidity  and  firmness  which  raw  troops  were  not 
to  have  been  expected  to  resist,  and  consequently  a  ge- 
neral rout  of  the  militia  ensued. 

That  the  enemy  would  have  met  with  a  very  differ- 
ent reception,  had  our  troops  been  in  a  tolerable  state 
of  preparation,  is  evident  from  the  following  fact.  The 
gallant  Barney,  Martin,  and  their  brave  comrades  of 
the  flotilla,  and  Miller,  Sevier,  and  Grayson  of  the  ma- 
rine corps,  were  on  the  field  of  battle,  but  caught  no- 
thing of  the  epidemic  fright.  On  the  contrary,  eager  to 
stop  the  progress  of  the  enemy,  they  came  up  in  a  trot, 
opening  at  the  same  time  a  destructive  fire,  which  made 
hideous  lanes  through  the  British  columns.  But  these 
columns  were  familiar  with  the  ravages  of  death,  and 
fighting  under  the  eye  of  Ross,  and  headed  by  Thorn- 
ton, Wood  and  Brown,  fearlessly  filling  up  the  chasms 
of  fate,  pushed  forward  with  undaunted  courage. 
But  it  was  not  for  a  few  hundred  troops  to  repel 
the  enemy;  and  at  length,  overpowered  by  such  vast 
superiority  of  numbers,  their  ammunition  wagons  re- 
treating, and  themselves  nearly  surrounded,  they  were 
constrained  to  retire,  leaving  their  commanding  ofiicers, 
the  gallant  Barney  and  Miller,  dangerously  wounded 
on  the  field. 

I  shall  not  attempt  to  described  my  feelings  during 


Capture  of  Washington.  665 


this  awful  conflict  between  the  enemy  and  my  coun- 
trymen. From  the  frequ' nt  advices  brought  that  morn- 
ing of  the  approach  of  the  enemy,  as  also  from  the 
general  movement  of  our  troops  to  meet  him  at  Bla- 
densburg,  the  inhabitants  of  Washington  had  been 
some  time  in  a  state  of  extreme  anxifty,  expecting 
every  moment  the  report  of  the  guns  that  should  an- 
nounce the  commencement  of  the  battle. 

Between  twelve  and  one,  while  with  my  trembling  fa- 
mily in  the  third  story  of  my  house,  we  beheld  the  rock- 
ets ascending,  and  soon  heard  the  roar  of  the  cannon. 
When  the  firing  had  ceased,  my  feelings  were  left  in 
fearful  fluctuation; — now  fondly  hoping  that  my  coun- 
trymen had  prevailed — then  awfully  fearing  that  all  was 
lost.  This  anguish  of  suspense  was,  however,  but  mo- 
mentary. I  soon  discovered  the  dust  beginning  to  rise 
above  the  forests  in  thick  clouds,  on  whose  dark  tops 
growing  larger  and  larger  every  minute,  and  rapidly  ad- 
vancing, I  read  the  dismal  fate  that  awaited  us.  Presently 
I  beheld  the  unfortunate  secretary  of  war  and  suite,  in 
full  flight,  followed  by  crowds  of  gentlemen  on  horse- 
back, some  of  .whom  loudly  bawled  out  as  they  came 
on,  "^y,  jiy;  the  ruffians  are  at  hand!  If  you  cannot 
get  away  yourselves,  for  God's  sake  send  off  "^oyxx  wives 
and  daughters^  for  the  ruffians  are  at  hand!" 

Wlicn  1  surveyed  the  extended  lines  of  our  infantry 
and  cavalry  enveloped  in  clouds  of  dust  as  if  universal 
nature  was  in  tumultuous  motion,  all  heightened  by  the 
fearful  apprehension,  that  the  horrid  scenes  exhibited  by 
the  enemy  in  Hampton  and  Havre  de  Grace  were  about 
to  be  acted  in  Washington,  I  felt  myself  palsied  with 
horror.  And  as  if  the  measure  of  my  distress  was  not  yet 
full,  my  wife  standing  by  my  side  with  looks  wild  with 
terror,  as  though  she  beheld  the  enemy  in  sight,  cried 
out,  OA,  what  shall  we  do?  what  shall  we  do?  yonder 
they  are  comingP''  and  fell  into  convulsions;  my  two 
daughters  shrieking  by  her  side.  The  reader,  especially 
if  he  be  an  affectionate  husband,  may  form  some  idea 
of  my  affliction.  I  shall  not  attempt  to  describe  it. 

Supposing  now  that  the  tragedy  of  destruction  was 

4P 


C66 


Capture  of  IFashington. 


about  to  commence,  and  finding  it  impossible  to  obtain 
even  a  cart  to  remove  my  f;aniily  to  the  country,  I  took 
my  wife  and  two  daughters,  a  little  before  sun-set,  and 
leaving  my  house  and  property  in  the  hands  of  servants, 
went  to  the  hou-sc  of  a  sick  lady.  Although  Mrs.  Orr, 
the  lady  whom  I  ailude  to,  did  not  live  more  than  a 
hundred  yards  from  my  house,  I  considered  it  a  place 
of  greater  safety,  as  her  extreme  ill  state  of  health  would 
doubtless  have  protected  her,  even  had  the  enemy  been 
as  was  represented,  ruffians.''^  Moreover,  I  was  indu- 
ced to  go  to  the  house  of  Mrs.  Orr  in  consequence  of 
her  earnest  entreaties,  as  her  husband  was  from  home, 
and  some  of  her  servants  had  run  off  with  the  frighten- 
ed multitude,  leaving  her  in  a  situation  truly  distressing. 

About  twilight  the  enemy  made  his  appearance  in  the 
city,  which  was  announced  by  the  firing  of  muskets  from 
the  house  of  Mr.  Sevvall,  followed  by  several  vollies  from 
the  British.  The  fire  of  our  men  from  Mr.  Sewaii's 
house  killed  two  Br  itish  soldiers,  wounded  several,  and 
killed  the  horse  of  major-general  Ross.  The  conse- 
quence was,  this  house  was  immediately  set  on  fire,  and 
much  valuable  furniture  consumed  with  it.  And  I  was 
informed  by  some  of  the  British  officers,  that  it  was  a 
most  fortunate  thing  that  major-general  Ross  was  not 
killed,  for  in  that  event,  it  would  have  been  impossible 
to  have  restrained  the  soldiery,  who  idolized  him,-  from 
commiting  the  most  horrid  outrages  both  on  our  city 
and  its  inhabitants. 

It  was  not  many  minutes  after  the  exhibition  of  thid 
scene,  before  we  were  presented  with  the  spectacle  so 
much  dreaded — a  full  view  of  the  advance  of  the  British 
army  in  the  capitol  square!  About  this  lime,  the  navy, 
yard  was  committed  to  flames  by  commodore  Tingey, 
in  pursuance  of  orders  from  Secretary  Jones;  and  very 
soon  afterwai  ds,  the  British  set  fire  to  the  capitol,  the 
president's  house,  and  the  war  office.  The  treasury 
office  shared  a  similar  fate  the  next  morning.  The  con- 
vflagration  of  these  noble  and  splendid  buildings  spread 
a  glare  over  the  night  that  was  truly  awful.  But  the 
confiagration  of  our  large  new  frigate,  nearly  ready  to 


Capture  of  JVashington, 


667 


launch,  and  the  new  sloop  of  war,  equipped!  with  all 
the  adjacent  magazines  filled  with  naval  stores,  exhibi- 
ted an  appearance  still  incomparably  more  terrific. 

In  common  with  other  men,  I  have  drunk  of  the  bit- 
ter cup  of  affliction;  but  it  vvas  reserved  fcr  that  dole- 
ful night  to  teach  me  that  private  misfortune  weighs 
but  as  the  dust  in  the  balance  against  the  far  heavier 
load  of  public  calamity.  To  behold  so  great  a  calamity 
as  this — the  capital  of  our  country  seized  upon  by  a 
small  army ^  and  all  its  grand  public  buildings  and  ships 
wrapped  in  flames,  what  wonder  that  it  should  have 
filled  all  hearts  with  consternation,  and  even  frightened 
some  into  convulsions. 

Had  such  a  number  of  troops  as  military  men  might 
have  deemed  sufficient,  been  timely  provided  for  the 
defence  of  the  metropolis;  and  had  those  troops,  in 
all  points  well  prepared,  gone  forth  and  met  the  en- 
emy in  a  gallant  conflict — the  feelings  of  the  nation, 
even  under  discomfiture,  would  not  have  been  so  grie- 
vously wounded,  "for  the  victory  is  of  God."  But  so 
shamefully  was  the  public  interest  and  honour  sported 
with  on  this  occasion,  that  nothing  but  the  overthrow 
of  the  enemy  at  Niagara,  Chippewa,  Erie,  Sandusky, 
and  Orleans,  together  with  the  brilliant  achievements 
of  our  infant  navy,  could  ever  again  elevate  the  coun- 
tenance of  an  American  citizen,  or  enable  him  to  support 
the  spirit  and  dignity  of  a  man.  For  when  the  British, 
four  thousand  strong,  made  their  appearance  on  the 
hills  of  Bladensburg,  dressed  in  their  crimson  uni- 
forms, and  began  to  press  on  to  the  charge,  our  militia 
men,  about  six  thousand,  generally  gave  way.  And 
without  wonder,  for  nothing  had  been  done  to  prepare 
them  for  such  a  conflict. 

Raw  troops,  suddenly  brought  together,  and  taken, 
as  it  were,  by  surprise,  were,  as  is  very  natural,  seized 
with  consternation.  Some  of  the  officers  bewildered, 
seemed  at  a  loss  who  should  command — the  men  whom 
to  obey — some  were  destitute  of  arms — others  of  am- 
munition— and  many,  by  long  marching  and  counter- 
marching, without  rest  or  refreshment,  were  so  broken 
down  that  they  were  not  able  to  sustain  such  a  shock. 


668 


Capture  of  JVashington. 


But  while  I  lament  the  causes  which  led  to  the  dis- 
comfiture of  the  militia  in  general,  I  feel  it  my  duty  to 
recognize  those  smaller,  and  therefore  still  more  glo- 
rious exceptions,  the  district  militia,  or  at  least  those 
who  were  on  the  field  of  battle.  So  far  from  their  run- 
ning or  retreating  in  disorder,  they  generally  exhibited 
every  mark  of  heroism,  particularly  the  volunteer  com- 
panies, who  did  not  withdraw  until  ordered  the  second 
time  to  retreat. 

I  have  thought  it  a  duty  I  owe  my  countrymen,  thus 
to  dwell  on  this  disastrous  affair,  as  furnishing  an  in- 
structive lesson,  at  any  rate,  to  all  future  secretaries  of 
war.  I  must  confess,  however,  that  I  find  much  com- 
fort in  the  belief,  that  no  disaster  of  this  sort  is  to  be 
apprehended,  while  the  office  continues  to  be  filled  by 
the  honouable  William  H.  Crawford,  whose  talents  and 
virtues  are  so  highly  and  deservedly  appreciated. 

How  an  undisciplined  militia,  under  such  distressing 
circumstances  as  above  related,  will  behave  on  any  fu- 
ture occasion,  may  be  awfully  inferred  from  their  be- 
haviour on  the  past.  Soon  as  the  enemy  began  to  throw 
his  rockets,  many  of  the  raw  militia  men,  at  sight  of 
these  strange  shooting  stars,  as  they  were  ascending, 
roared  out,  See!  see!  there  they  go!  there  they  go!^^ 
But  when  the  rockets  were  seen  descending  in  a  direc- 
tion  towards  themselves,  they  loudly  bawled  out  again, 
**  j\o!  here  they  come!  here  they  come!^"*  and  dropping 
their  guns,  fled  like  frightened  sheep  in  every  direction, 
except,  indeed,  towards  the  enemy. 

A  gentleman,  a  short  distance  beyond  Bladensburg, 
hearing  the  report  of  the  cannon,  iinmediately  rode  to- 
wards the  field  of  battle;  but  before  he  had  gone  far, 
he  met  several  companies  of  the  militia  in  full  flight. 
*'What,"  says  he,  *Vsoldiers,  you  are  not  running?" 

Oh,  no!"  exclaimed  some  of  them,  "we  have  done 
our  duty — our  ammunition  is  spent.  We  gave  it  to 
them;  boys,  didn't  we?"  "  Yes,"  returned  his  com- 
rades. We  peppered  the  rascals — we  strewed  the  d — d 
red  coats — and  if  the  others  will  only  do  their  duty,  not 


Capture  of  Wash ington .  669 


one  of  them  will  ever  get  back  to  their  vessels."  The 
gentleman  suspecting  iheir  poltroonism,  and  obtaining 
by  stratagem  a  peep  into  their  cartridge  boxes,  found 
they  were  full,  except  the  single  cartridge  with  which 
their  guns  were  loaded! 

Another  anecdote,  and  I  have  done.  A  militia  officer 
making  his  retreat,  attempted  by  way  of  a  short  cut  to 
cross  a  deep  oozy  marsh,  which  presently  stopped  both 
himself  and  his  horse.  In  endeavouring  to  extricate 
himself,  he  received  a  small  scratch,  which  made  him 
bawl  out,  "  I  arn  wounded!  I  am  mortally  wounded^'' 
Some  of  the  soldiers,  supposing  from  his  cries  that  the 
British  were  close  at  their  heels,  only  ran  the  faster; 
however,  a  few,  wiping  their  eyes,  and  not  beholding 
the  dazzling  red  coats,  went  to  his  relief.  On  examin- 
ing the  back  part  of  his  thigh,  where  he  said  he  had 
received  his  mortal  xvound^  they  found  it  to  be  nothing 
more  than  a  prick  of  his  own  spur! 

With  such  disorderly,  panic-struck  creatures,  who ' 
but  must  commend  Gen.  Winder  for  ordering  a  re- 
treat, not  indeed  to  save  these  fugitives^  for  they  took 
care  to  save  themselves,  but  to  save  the  flower  of  our 
gallant  yeomanry,  who  were  eager  for  a  conflict,  where- 
in, at  such  odds  against  them,  they  must  certainly  have 
perished — for  it  was  but  too  plain  that  our  sacred  capitol 
was  doomed  to  fall. 

Never  shall  I  forget  my  tortured  feelings,  when 
beheld  that  noble  edifice  wrapped  in  flames,  which, 
bursting  through  the  windows,  and  mounting  far  above 
its  summits,  with  a  noise  like  thunder,  filled  all  the  sad- 
dened night,  with  a  dismal  gloom. 

To  heighten  our  alarms  and  those  of  Mrs.  Orr,  we 
were  suddenly  startled  by  a  most  tremedous  rapping, 
at  the  door.  Soon  as  the  door  was  opened,  five  or  six 
British  soldiers  presented  themselves,  asking  very  po- 
litely for  something  to  eat.  Instantly  a  cold  ham,  with 
loaf  bread  and  butter,  and  wine,  were  set  before  them, 
which  they  partook  of,  conducting  themselves  with  the 
utmost  good  behaviour. 

Presently  I  beheld  a  light  in  every  room  in  my  house, 


670 


Capture  of  Washington, 


which,  with  the  reflection  from  the  capitol  then  in 
flames,  led  me  to  fear  it  was  on  fire.  Not  having  remo- 
ved any  part  of  my  property,  and  anxious  to  save  at 
least  my  medical  library,  I  communicated  my  fears  to 
the  soldiers  who  were  at  supper,  and  solicited  their  aid. 
The  Serjeant  observed  he  could  not  think  it  possible 
niy  house  was  on  fire;  but  afe  any  rate,  if  I  thought  so, 
he  and  his  men  were  ready  to  go  with  me,  and  give  all 
the  aid  in  their  power.  In  a  few  minutes,  however,  I 
found  out  my  mistake,  by  the  sudden  extinction  of  the 
lights,  and  also  by  the  arrival  of  my  servant,  who  in- 
formed me  that  my  house  had  been  plundered  by  the 
British  soldiers.  While  I  was  standing  at  the  door, 
the  Rev.  Mr.  M'Cormick  came  up,  and  told  me  if  I 
would  accompany  him,  he  would  introduce  me  to  niajor 
general  Ross  and  admiral  Cock  burn,  with  whom  he 
had  been  conversing,  and  found  them  to  be  ''''perfect 
gentlemen,''''  Hoping  from  this  circumstance  to  derive 
security  to  ray  house  and  what  property  remained,  I 
readily  accompanied  him  and  was  introduced,  as  he 
thought,  to  general  Ross;  but  it  was  unwittingly  to  the 
admiral,  who  rectified  the  mistake  of  the  reverend  gen- 
tleman, by  saying  in  his  quick  and  piercing  tone,  7ny 
name  is  Cockhiirn,  sir.''^  I  told  him  I  had  understood 
that  private  property  was  to  be  held  sacred,  and  that  I 
had  placed  implicit  confidence  in  the  report.  He  an- 
swered  that  "  it  would  be  so  deemed."  I  replied,  that 
*'  some  of  my  furniture,  apparel  and  plate,  had  been 
pliindered." 

With  whom  did  you  confide  your  property,  sir?'* 

I  answered,"  With  my  servants." 
Well,  sir,  let  me  tell  you  it  was  very  ill  confidence 
to  repose  your  property  in  the  care  of  servants." 

In  the  mean  time,  general  Ross  came  up,  to  whom  I 
was  also  introduced.  He  had  just  come  in  time  to  infer 
from  what  admiral  Cockburn  had  said,  that  my  house 
had  been  robbed.  In  a  tone  that  will  for  ever  endear 
him  to  me  as  a  '''  perfect  gentleman'*^  indeed,  he  observed 
he  was  very  sorry  to  hear  that  my  house  had  been  dis- 
turbed, and  begged  that  I  would  tell  him  which  it  was^ 


Capture  of  fFashi?igto?i. 


671 


and  he  would  order  a  sentinel  to  guard  it.  We  were 
then  standing  before  my.  door,  the  south  end  of  Carroll's 
row,  facing  the  capitol. 

This  is  my  house,  sir,"  said  I. 
With  an  amiable  embarrassment  he  replied,  "  Why, 
sir,  this  is  the  house  we  had  pitched  on  for  our  head- 
quarters." 

I  told  him,  I  was  glad  of  it,  and  regretted  that  he 
had  not  taken  it  earlier,  as  my  property  would  then  have 
bt.en  protected." 

He  observed,  he  could  never  think  of  trespassing 
on  the  repose  of  a  private  family,  and  would  order  his 
baj2:gage  6ut  of  my  house  immtdiately." 

1  earnestly  begged  he  would  still  consider  it  as  his 
head-quarters. 

"  Well,  sir,"  said  he,  since  you  are  so  good  as  to 
insist  on  my  staying  at  your  house,  I  consent;  but  I 
will, endeavour  to  give  you  as  little  trouble  as  possible. 
Any  apartnjent  under  your  roof  will  suffice  me." 

I  asked  him  to  accompany  me  and  I  would  show 
him  a  room.  He  assented,  and  I  conducted  him  to  my 
own  bed-chamber,  which  was  the  best  furnished  in  my 
house,  with  an  uncommonly  large  mattress  on  the  bed. 
He  refused  for  some  time  to  accept  of  it,  and  insisted  I 
should  go  ai  d  bring  Mrs.  Ewell  home;  observing,  that 
I  might  depend  on  it  my  family  should  be  just  as  safe 
as  they  were  the  evening  before  when  the  American 
army  was  here;  for,  continued  he,  /  am  viyself  a 
married  man — have  several  sweet  children — and  vene- 
rate the  sanctities  of  the  conjugal  and  domestic  rela- 
tions,'^'* 

1  feel  no  fear  of  offending  my  virtuous  countrymen, 
by  exhibiting  even  in  an  enemy  such  strokes  of  refine- 
ment and  generosity  as  these.  Thank  God,  such  achiev- 
ments  are  too  congenial  with  their  own  spirit  and  man- 
ners, not  to  be  read  with  pleasure. 

The  commander  in  chief  of  a  victorious  army,  carry- 
ing himself  with  such  consummate  modesty  and  polite- 
ness to  those  whom  the  fortune  of  war  had  placed  in  his 
power  is  a  spectacle  to  honourable  to  human  nature, 
and  too  conductive  to  the  general  good,  to  give  offence. 


672 


Capture  of  Washington. 


Ill  all  wars,  there  are  brutes  on  both  sides,  whose 
savage  examples  would  turn  men  into  demons,  and  war 
into  a  horrid  struggle  for  mutual  slaughter  and  extermi- 
nation. All  are  concerned  to  oppose  examples  so  de- 
testable. Then  let  all  unfurl  the  counter-examples  of 
those  heroic  spiriss,  who  mourn  over  the  calamities 
which  they  are  obliged  to  inflict,  and  treat  the  van- 
quished as  brothers.  The  lovely  sight  will  attract  the 
eyes  of  all,  and  while  they  admire  they  may  imitate. — 
With  this  fond  hope,  I  bhall  go  on  occasionally  to  en- 
tertain my  readers  with  such  anecdotes  of  the  British 
officers,  as  may  contribute,  now  that  the  war  is  at  an 
end,  to  rekindle  the  pleasant  flame  of  former  friend- 
ship and  lead  to  the  performance  of  those  fraternal  acts 
which  will  gratify  the  common  parent  of  us  all. 

Having  thus  made  a  virtue  of  necessity,  and  from 
true  policy  as  well  as  politeness,  left  my  house  and  fur- 
niture in  possession  of  the  Batish  general  and  admi- 
ral, I  went  down  to  my  ftimily  at  Mrs.  Orr's. 

The  next  morning,  about  the  hour  of  breakfast,  I  re- 
turned, and  as  I  approached  my  house,  -I  saw  the  sol- 
dier who  was  holding  the  horse  of  general  Ross,  sud- 
denly fall  down  in  a  fit.  I  hastened  to  the  poor  fellow, 
and  opened  a  vein,  which  gave  him  immediate  relief. 
While  I  was  attending  to  him,  a  British  serjeant  came 
up  at  the  head  of  a  file  of  soldiers,  one  of  whom  de- 
sired me,  rather  roughly,  to  give  him  some  water. 
Without  suspecting  offence,  I  called  to  my  servant,  and 
ordered  him  to  bring  out  a  pitcher  of  water. 

What  meaning  the  Englishman  could  have  attached 
to  the  word  pitcher^  I  know  not;  but  kindling  into  a 
violent  passion,  he  exclaimed,  You  d — d  rebel,  do 
you  think  I  am  a  beast  to  drink  out  of  a  pitcher?"  At 
this  moment  general  Ross,  who  had  overheard  the  in- 
solent language  of  his  soldier,  stepped  up.  The  man, 
greatly  abashed,  instantly  turned  his  face,  and  seemed 
as  if  he  would  have  shrunk  among  his  comrades;  but 
the  general,  with  every  mark  of  displeasure  in  his  coun- 
tenance, jerking  him  by  the  collar,  exclaimed,  **  FiUian, 
is  this  the  way  you  speak  to  a  gentleman! — and  in  the 


Capture  of  Washington* 


673 


moment,  too,  that  he  is  doing  a  kindness  to  a  sick  fel- 
low soldier  of  your  own?  Serjeant,  what  sort  of  a  man 
is  this?" 

The  Serjeant,  with  considerable  trepidation,  replied, 
*'  Why^  sir,  he  is  a  pretty  good  sort  of  a  man,  I  believe, 
sir!" 

A  pretty  good  sort  of  a  man,  sir!"  replied  the 
general,  a  pretty  good  sort  of  a  man!  to  speak  to  a 
gentleman  in  this  style?  Very  well,  sir,  this  conduct 
shall  not  pass  unnoticed." 

He  then  turned  to  me,  and  after  thanking  me  for  my  - 
goodness i"*^  as  he  called  it,  to  his  fainting  soldier,  ob- 
served, that  in  all  armies  there  were  some  scoundrels 
to  be  found,  and  that  he  was  sorry  to  say  there  were 
too  many  of  that  description  in  his  army. 

Sometime  after  this,  Mrs.  Ewell  and  my  daughters 
came  to  Mrs.  M*Cardell's,  next  door  to  my  house.  As 
soon  as  captain  Palmer,  who  had  been  in  her  company 
at  Mrs.  Orr's,  saw  her  coming,  he  moved  on  with  gene- 
ral Ross  to  meet  her,  and  very  politely  introduced  her 
to  him.  The  general  shook  her  hand  with  every  mark 
of  undissembled  friendship;  expressed  his  deep  regret 
to  learn  that  she  had  been  so  seriously  frightened;  and 
lamented  sincerely  the  necessity  that  had  given  cause 
to  these  tragedies — namely,  the  burning  of  the  British 
capital  in  Canada.  Had  the  capital  of  Canada  been  burnt 
with  the  approbation  of  our  government,  there  might 
have  been  some  apology  for  the  shameful  destruction 
of  our  noble  buildings;  but  I  am  happy  in  the  belief, 
that  though  this  was  the  impression  of  general  Ross,  it 
was  not  an  act  of  the  government. 

Mrs.  Ewell,  sensible  of  such  unexpected  attentions, 
made  every  acknowledgment  that  her  confusion  would 
permit,  and  endeavoured  to  relax  her  melancholy  into 
a  smile;  but  it  was  evidently  an  act  of  constraint.  Grief 
was  too  deeply  seated,  to  be  thus  easily  banished  from 
her  cheeks,  which  still  wore  the  marks  of  tears  and 
of  fright;  and  which  evidently  excited  the  tenderest 
sympathies  of  general  Ross,  as  well  as  of  the  other 
officers.  Mrs.  Ewell  was  but  a  short  time  at  Mrs, 

4Q 


674 


Capture  of  fVashingtoji, 


M^CardelPs,  before  admiral  Cockburn  paid  his  respects 
to  her,  and  in  his  apparently  rough  way,  asked,  Pray, 
madam,  what  could  have  alarmed  you  so?  Did  you 
take  us  for  savages?"  Her  confusion  preventing  her 
from  making  a  reply,  he  added,  "  Ay,  madam,  I  can 
easily  account  for  your  terror.  I  see,  from  the  files  in 
your  house,  that  you  are  fond  of  reading  those  papers 
which  delight  to  make  devils  of  us."  It  is  but  justice 
to  admiral  Cockburn  to  declare,  that  he  frequently  came 
to  Mrs.  M^Cardell's,  making  inquiries  about  the  state 
of  Mrs.  Ewell's  spirits,  and  endeavouring  to  console 
her. 

On  my  observing  to  general  Ross,  that  it  was  a  great 
pity  the  elegant  library  had  been  burnt  with  the  capitol, 
he  replied  with  much  concern,  lament  most  sincerely 
I  was  not  apprized  of  the  circumstance,  for  had  I  known 
it  in  time,  the  books  would  most  certainly  have  been 
saved." 

"  Neither  do  I  suppose,  general,"  said  I,  "  you  would 
have  burnt  the  president's  house,  had  Mrs.  Madison 
remained  at  home?" 

No,  sir,"  replied  he,  *'  I  make  war  neither  against 
Letters  nor  Ladies;  and  I  have  heard  so  much  in  praise 
of  Mrs.  Madison,  that  I  would  rather  protect,  than  burn 
a  house  which  sheltered  such  an  excellent  lady." 

The  saying,  that  "  brave  men  are  always  generous^^'^ 
was  signally  illustrated  in  the  pleasure  that  general  lloss 
manifested  in  praising  commodore  Barney  for  his  be- 
haviour in  the  battle  at  Bladensburg.  "  A  brave  officer, 
sir,"  said  he.  "  He  had  only  a  handful  of  men  with  him, 
and  yet  he  gave  us  a  very  severe  shock.  I  am  sorry  he 
was  wounded;  however^  I  immedia  tely  gave  him  a  parole y 
and  I  liope  he  will  do  well.  Had  half  your  army,"  con- 
tinned  he,  "  been  composed  of  such  men  as  the  com- 
modore commanded,  with  the  advantage  you  had  in 
choosing  your  position,  we  should  never  have  got  to 
your  city." 

What  evidenced  more  the  magnanimity  of  this  offi- 
cer, he  never  uttered  an  expression  in  my  presence 
against  the  president  or  any  of  the  officers  of  govern- 


Capture  of  Washington,  675 


nient;  but  often  expressed  the  deepest  regret  that  war 
had  taken  place  between  two  nations  so  nearly  allied 
both  in  consanguinity  and  interest.  I  can  moreover  truly 
say,  I  never  saw  the  sunbeam  of  one  cheerful  smile  on 
.general  Ross  all  the  time  that  he  was  in  Washington. 
His  countenance  seemed  constantly  shrouded  in  the 
close  shades  of  a  thoughtful  mind. 

The  favourable  opinion  which  the  reader  has  formed 
of  general  Ross,  will  not  be  lessened  by  the  following 
facts.  The  morning  after  the  conflagration,  a  silly  man 
from  Ohio,  mounted  on  an  elegant  horse,  came  to  the 
British  camp.  What  was  his  object  is  to  this  day  a 
secret.  But  at  any  rate,  to  guard  against  the  worst, 
the  British  officers  took  him  up,  and  would  no  doubt 
have  been  glad  to  have  gotten  his  horse.  For  my  own 
part,  I  was  of  opinion  at  first  that  he  was  a  traitor,  and 
therefore  took  particular  notice  of  him.  Presently  an 
affair  happened  which  served  to  persuade  me  that  my 
opinion  had  been  erroneous.  Considering  it  doubtful 
whether  the  officers  would  let  him  go,  he  came  to  the 
desperate  resolution  to  mount  his  horse  and  make  his 
escape,  placing  his  safety  on  the  speed  of  the  animal. 
He  had  scarcely  started  before  major  Hamilton,  an  aid 
of  general  Ross,  with  two  or  three  Serjeants,  mounted 
their  best  horses,  and  went  in  full  pursuit.  The  hue 
and  cry  after  him  spread  like  lightning,  and  few  races 
ever  attracted  more  spectators,  or  made  more  noise  in 
so  short  a  time.  They  had  not,  however,  run  more 
than  a  mile  towards  the  eastern  branch,  before  the  horse 
of  the  Ohio  man  fell,  and  by  some  means  or  other  broke 
the  legs  of  the  rider. 

The  regret  which  general  Ross  expressed  at  the  fate 
of  the  poor  man,  indicated  a  most  feelmg  heart;  and 
he  assured  me  that  it  was  not  his  intention  to  have  de- 
tained the  man  or  his  horse  longer  than  the  evening. 
He  then  ordered  the  animal  to  be  put  into  my  stable^ 
with  a  request  that  I  would  have  him  restored  to  the 
owner. 

The  British  soldier  who  was  ordered  to  take  the 
horse  to  my  stable,  muttered  exceedingly  that  so  elegant 


676 


Capture  of  PFbshingfon, 


a  horse  should  be  given  up,  and  as  soon  as  the  gene- 
ral had  set  out  with  the  army  the  same  fellow  came 
back  with  a  He  in  his  mouth,  saying,  he  was  ordered 
by  the  general  to  take  the  horse  away.  I  was  at  a 
loss  how  to  act;  however,  not  finding  myself  out  ©f 
danger,  I  delivered  him  up.  But,  behold!  the  next 
morning  Daniel  Carrol,  Esq.  of  Dudington,  rode  to  my 
house,  and  congratulated  me  that  my  horse  was  safe, 
I  told  him  yes,  through  the  goodness  of  the  command- 
ing officer,  my  horse  was  given  up  to  me  immediately 
on  making  application,  and  that  he  then  was  in  my 
stable. 

"  Why,'*  said  he  with  some  surprise,  *'  I  was  in- 
structed by  Mr.  Sevvall  to  inform  you,  than  general 
Ross  had  left  your  horse  in  the  care  of  captain  Gantt." 

This  amiable  officer,  it  seems,  seeing  the  horse  next 
morning  in  camp,  and  knowing  the  history  of  him, 
could  not  rest  until  he  had  placed  him  in  the  hands  of 
captain  Gantt,  on  the  road,  with  a  request  that  he  would 
deliver  him  to  me,  for  that  I  knew  how  he  was  to  be 
disposed  of. 

AH  generous  Americans,  will  doubtless  pronounce 
major-general  Ross  a  magnaninjious  enemy.  Surely  the 
instances  already  cited,  prove  his  claim  to  that  high 
character;  and  surely  he  dererves  it,  who,  when  told 
that  our  barracks,  which  according  to  the  usages  of 
war  he  had  condemned,  could  not  be  burnt  without  in- 
juring private  property^  immediately  countermanded 
his  own  order,  and  thus  saved  to  us  that  noble  range  of 
buildings. 

As  nothing  is  more  pleasing  than  to  meet  with  in- 
stances of  generosity  in  an  enemy,  I  cannot  forbear  re- 
cording some  traits  of  the  magnanimous  sort  in  the 
character  of  admiral  Cockburn.  At  this  I  know  some 
of  my  readers  will  startle.  What!  magnanimous  traits 
in  admiral  Cockburn!  Impossible!  To  such  I  beg  leave 
only  to  say,  I  am  about  to  state  facts,  which  came  under 
my  own  notice,  and  as  they  are  honourable  to  that  hu- 
man nature  of  which  we  all  partake,  I  trust  they  w^ill 
afford  pleasure  to  every  reader  who  has  a  soul  to  enjoy 
a  virtuous  action,  though  in  an  enemy. 


Capture  of  Washingtojt. 


677 


The  terror  struck  into  the  good  people  of  our  city, 
by  the  capture  and  conflagration  as  aforesaid,  rolled  on 
in  such  conglomerating  floods  to  Alexandria,  that  by 
the  time  it  reached  that  place,  it  had  acquired  a  swell 
of  mountainous  horrors,  that  appear  to  have  entirely 
prostrated  the  spirits  of  the  Alexandrians.  Men,  wo- 
men and  children  in  that  defenceless  place  saw  no- 
thing, in  their  frightened  fancies,  but  the  sudden  and 
total  destruction  of  their  rising  city,  by  the  British  ar- 
my then  at  Washington,  and  the  British  squadron,  under 
captain  Gordon,  coming  up  the  river. 

In  this  alarming  situation,  they  very  wisely  deter- 
mined to  throw  themselves  on  the  generosity  of  the 
enemy,  and  supplicate  security  for  their  town,  on  the 
humble  conditions  of  capitulation.  As  men  in  time  of 
their  troubles  seem  naturally  to  look  for  a  blessing 
through  the  ministration  of  the  godly,  the  Alexandrians 
selected  four  of  their  citizens  distinguished  for  piety 
and  morals^  as  Drs.  Muir  and  Dick,  and  Messrs.  Jona- 
than Swift  and  Wm.  Swann,  They  arrived  during  the 
dreadful  tornado  which  we  experienced  on  that  me- 
morable day;  and  as  I  happened  to  be  sitting  in  my 
dining-room  with  admiral  Cockburn,  when  these  dele- 
gates presented  themselves,  I  had  a  fair  opportunity  to 
hear  every  word  that  passed  on  this  occasion.  Soon  as 
they  communicated  to  the  admiral  the  object  of  their 
mission,  he  replied,  with  the  brevity  that  characterized 
him,  "  Gentlemen^  I  have  nothing  to  say^  until  you  first 
tell  me  whether  captain  Gordon  is  in  sight  of  Alexandria 
or  not,^^ 

The  reply  was,  that  captain  Gordon  was  not  in  sight 
of  Alexandria. 

"  JVell  then,  gentlemen,'^'*  continued  he,  I  am  ready 
to  negotiate  with  you.  And  now ,  all  I  have  to  say  is,  that 
we  want  provisions,  and  must  have  them.  But  let  me  tell 
youj  that  for  every  article  we  take,  you  shall  be  allowed 
a  fair  priced 

Upon  this  they  very  soon  retired. 

Scarcely  had  those  gentlemen  left  admiral  Cockburn, 
before  one  of  his  officers  entered  the  room,  and  told 


678 


Capture  of  Washington. 


him,  that  the  bank  could  not  be  burnt  without  injuring 
private  property.  Well  then,"  said  he,  sternly,  pull 
it  down." 

Though  I  felt  somewhat  of  awe  in  the  presence  of 
this  son  of  Neptune,  yet  I  could  not  here  refrain  from 
interposing  for  the  safety  of  the  bank. 

"  Admiral  Cockburn,"  said  I,  "  you  do  not  wish  to 
injure  private  property.''  "No,"  said  he,  **I  do  not. 
But  this  is  public  property." 

No,  sir,"  1  continued,  **the  United  States  have  no 
bank  here  now — this  is  altogether  private  property." 

Are  you  certain  of  that,"  said  he.  "  Yes,  sir,"  I 
replied,  "  I  pledge  my  honour,  it  is  private  property." 
"  Well  then,"  said  he,  to  the  officer,    let  it  alone."  . 

There  was  another  case  in  which  I  had  the  satisfac- 
tion to  save  the  property  of  a  valuable  citizen.  As  I 
was  standing  on  the  pavement  near  my  door,  which  as 
I  said,  the  general  and  admiral  had  used  as  head- quar- 
ters, a  British  officer  observed,  in  my  presence,  "  ffell, 
we  shall  be  done  with  burning  when  the  rope- walks  are 
burnt  and  that  handsome  building  yonder,"  pointing 
at  the  house  of  my  pious  and  worthy  neighbour,  Elias 
B.  Caldwell,  Esq. 

Why  certainly  you  are  not  going  to  burn  that 
house,  captain,"  said  I.  **  Yes,  sir,"  replied  he,  "  we 
shall."  **  It  is  not  public  property,"  I  said.  **No  mat- 
ter for  that,  there  is  public  property  at  the  house,"  al- 
luding to  some  cartridges  and  cartridge-boxes,  which 
had  been  left  there;  **  and,  besides,"  continued  he,  "  it 
belongs  to  a  man  who  has  been  very  active  against  us." 

It  is  true,"  replied  I,  "  Mr.  Caldwell  is  captain  of 
a  volunteer  company,  and  a  brave  man.  But  brave  men 
do  not  bear  malice  against  each  other  for  doing  their 
duty;  on  the  contrary,  respect  them  the  more  for  it,  as 
general  Ross,  yesterday,  did  commodore  Barney.  And 
therefore,  I  hope,  that  as  this  house  is  private  property, 
it  will  not  be  destroyed."  He  paused  for  a  moment — 
then  went  to  general  Ross,  who,  I  suppose,  put  a  stop 
to  it,  for  the  house  was  not  burnt. 

I  did  also  what  I  could  to  save  the  rope- walks  of  the 


Capture  of  Washmgton, 


679 


Rev.  Mr.  Chalmers,  Mr.  Ringgokl,  and  Mr.  Heath, 
but  it  was  in  vain;  for  they  observed  that  they  were 
determined  to  spare  nothing  that  made  in  favour  of  our 
navy, 

I  will  relate  another  anecdote  of  the  admiral,  and  let 
the  reader  judge  for  himself. 

On  the  25th,  in  the  afternoon,  just  as  the  general  and 
admiral  who  were  standing  on  the  pavement  at  my  door, 
were  notified  by  their  servant  that  dinner  was  ready,  a 
dirty  looking  woman,  stained  with  blood,  came  running 
up,  and  screaming  out  as  she  came,  O,  i  avi  killed^  I 
am  killed;  a  British  sailor  has  killed  me." 

Instantly  admiral  Cockburn,  with  every  mark  of  in- 
dignation in  his  countenance,  gave  orders  for  the  sailors 
to  be  mustered  on  parade,  and  that  the  man  whom  she 
designated  as  the  perpetrator  of  the  act,  should  be  shot 
at  the  Capitol  without  one  moment's  delay. 

The  general  and  admiral,  with  their  suites,  then  went 
up  to  dinner,  leaving  Dr.  Doddy  and  myself  to  examine 
the  wounds  of  the  woman,  whom  we  had  conveyed  to 
the  hospital.  On  finding  this  poor  wTetch,  in  her  drunk- 
en delirium,  sometimes  cursing  a  British  sailor,  and 
sometimes  an  American  soldier,  as  her  murderer ^  and  was 
in  no  condition  to  designate  who  had  inflicted  the 
wounds,  which,  after  all  the  noise,  were  quite  fleshy 
and  slight,  I  requested  Dr.  Doddy  to  communicate  her 
situation  to  the  admiral,  to  prevent  an  innocent  person 
from  suffering  death  on  her  account.  Presently  the  doc- 
tor returned  with  the  compliments  of  general  Ross  and 
admiral  Cockburn,  who  wished  to  see  me. 

I  went  up  and  found  they  had  dined,  but  the  table 
covered  with  wine.  General  Ross  politely  bowing  and 
waving  his  hand  to  a  chair  that  stood  by  him,  invited 
me  to  sit  down  and  take  a  glass  of  wine  with  them. 
Admiral  Cockburn,  then  addressing  me,  said,  "  we 
were  determined,  sir,  to  have  the  British  sailor  shot, 
who  stabbed  that  poor  woman;  but  it  gives  us  pleasure 
to  learn,  that  it  is  your  opinion  her  wounds  are  not 
mortal.  As  she  has  however  been  w^ounded,  and  m.ore 
than  probable  by  one  of  our  men,  we  think  it  but  just 


680 


Capture  of  Washington. 


she  should  be  cured  at  our  expense.  That  part  of  the 
business  we  shall  be  obliged  to  confide  to  you,  and  for 
your  trouble  we  beg  you'to  accept  of  this  trifle.'*  Then 
he  reached  out  to  me  a  parcel  of  gold,  six  doubloons. 

After  thanking  him  for  such  generosity,  I  told  him 
he  must  excuse  me  from  taking  so  large  a  fee;  **  the 
wounds,"  said  I,  *'  admiral  Cockburn,  are  altogether 
Jiesh  wounds^  of  which  she  will  soon  recover;  and  my 
attentions  to  her,  even  though  I  was  influenced  solely 
by  pecuniary  consideratrons,  cannot  deserve  so  large  a 
reward,^'* 

At  that  word,  his  face  reddened,  and  he  exclaimed, 
"  large,  my  good  sir,  we  are  only  mortified  to  think  it 
is  so  small;  but  it  is,  I  assure  you,  all  the  specie  we 
have  with  us.  If  you  will  accept  a  bill  on  our  govern- 
ment, we  will  make  it  better  worth  your  services." 

I  told  him  I  could  not  accept  a  bill,  for  that  the  fee 
he  now  tendered  was  much  too  ample.  He  however  pres- 
sed it  on  me  with  an  earnestness  which  I  could  no  lon- 
ger resist. 

Nothing  to  be  sure  was  ever  more  providential,  than 
the  receipt  of  this  money.  I  do  not  mean  for  the 
wounded  woman,  for  she,  a  common  strumpet,  being 
slightly  hurt,  soon  got  well  without  much  aid  of  the 
admiral's  doubloons;  but  I  allude  to  worthier  subjects. 
I  allude  to  the  sick  and  wounded  of  the  American  and 
British  soldiers,  who,  but  for  this  supply,  must  some 
of  them  at  least  have  inevitably  perished.  For,  to  be 
candid,  all  my  funds  were  exhausted  previous  to  the 
conflagration,  in  affording  refreshments  to  my  friends 
and  wearied  countrymen,  who  needed  such  hospitalities, 
and  who  had  iiobly  volunteered  their  services  in  de- 
fence of  the  metropolis. 

There  was  for  example,  John  Stockton,  of  the  rifle 
corps  from  Baltimore,  commanded  by  the  gallant  major 
Pinkney,  who  lay  very  desperately  wounded  two  days 
on  the  field  of  battle.  By  mere  accident  hearing  of  his 
situation,  I  pressed  a  cider  cart  from  the  country,  and 
had  him  brought  in — extracted  the  ball — dressed  his 
wounds,  which  were  assuming  a  gangrenous  state,  and 


Capture  of  Washing t07i. 


681 


plentifully  supplied  him  for  several  weeks  with  the 
best  nourishment  from  my  table.  Thus  was  this  worthy 
soldier  snatched  from  the  yawning  grave. 

There  were  also  forty- seven  of  the  British  soldiers 
who  were  most  miserably  mangled  by  the  terrible  ex- 
plosion at  Greenleaf's  Point,  the  greater  part  of  whom 
would  certainly  have  perished,  as  the  government  made 
no  provision  for  them  until  after  the  third  day,  had  it 
not  been  for  the  admiral's  gold,  which  by  immediate 
transmutation  into  sugar,  coffee,  tea,  milk,  rice,  arrow- 
root, bread,  meats,  vegetables,  and  fruits,  were  early 
applied  to  sustain  their  exhausted  frames. 

It  may  gratify  the  generous  reader,  on  more  accounts 
than  one,  to  hear  the  tragical  history  of  that  affair.  About 
two  o'clock,  on  the  25th,  a  British  captain  with  a  com- 
pany of  soldiers,  marching  down  on  Greenleaf's  Point, 
to  destroy  the  powder  magazine.  On  reaching  the  spot, 
they  found  the  magazine  empty,  the  powder  the  day 
before  having  been  taken  out  and  thrown  into  a  dry  well. 
The  British  being  strangers  to  this  fact,  threw  a  lighted 
match  into  the  well.  A  most  tremendous  explosion 
ensued,  whereby  the  officers  and  about  thirty  of  the 
men  were  killed,  and  the  rest  most  shockingly  mangled. 
Some  of  these  unfortunate  victims  of  gunpowder  were 
seen  flying  in  the  air  to  great  distances,  and  others  were 
totally  buried  alive  under  tons  of  earth  thrown  upon 
them.  The  survivors  were  carefully  brought  up  on  the 
capitol  hill,  and  in  the  most  distressed  situation  were 
lodged  in  Carroll's  buildings  adjoining  my  house. 

I  never  saw  more  endearing  marks  of  sympathy  than 
were  here  exhibited  on  the  countenance  of  general  Ross. 
He  observed,  looking  at  me  with  an  eye  of  searching 
anxiety,  "l  am  much  distressed  at  leaving  these  poor 
fellows  behind  me.  I  do  not  know  who  is  to  mitigate 
their  sufferings." 

I  understood  his  meaning,  and  instantly  assured  him 
that  he  need  not  make  himself  uneasy  on  account  of  his 
wounded  soldiers.  '*  The  Americans,  general  Ross," 
said  I,  are  of  the  same  origin  with  yourself.  We  have, 
I  trust,  given  you  many  splendid  instances  of  our  hu- 

4  R 


682 


Capture  of  TFashi7igton, 


manity  in  the  course  of  this  unfortunate  war.  And  you 
may  rely  on  it,  sir,  no  attentions  in  my  power  shall  be 
withheld  from  them."  He  gave  me  a  look  of  gratitude, 
which  I  shall  never  forget,  and  then  turning  towards 
his  men  where  they  lay,  burnt,  bruised  and  mangled, 
on  the  floor,  he  silently  gazed  at  their  deplorable  state, 
with  that  Godlike  sensibility,  near  melting  into  tears, 
which  strongly  brought  to  my  recollection  these  beau- 
tiful lines  of  Darwin: 

No  radiant  pearl,  which  crested  fortune  wears. 
No  gem,  that  twinkling  hangs  from  beauties  ears. 
Not  the  bright  stars,  which  night's  blue  arch  adorn, 
Nor  rising  sun,  that  gilds  the  vernal  morn, 
Shine  with  such  lustre  as  the  tear  that  breaks 
For  other's  woe,  down  virtue's  manly  cheeks. 

After  a  few  moments  spent  in  silent  sympathy,  he 
observed,  I  presume  mattresses  and  suitable  refresh- 
ments can  be  obtained  for  them  in  Georgetown.  Fiom 
this,  I  was  induced  to  believe,  he  intended  to  march 
in  that  direction  for  the  purpose  of  destroying  Mr. 
Foxall's  foundcry.  But  in  this  I  was  agreeably  mistaken. 
For  as  soon  as  night  approached,  and  large  fires  were 
kindled  along  their  lines,  the  enemy  decamped,,  and  re- 
turned to  their  shipping  by  the  same  route  in  which  they 
came. 

As  general  Ross  was  about  to  mount  his  horse,  he 
took  leave  of  me  in  a  respectful  manner;  repeated  his 
regret  for  the  robbery  committed  on  my  property  by  his 
men,  and  assured  me,  that  for  those  injuries,  as  also 
for  the  services  I  had  promised  his  sick  and  wounded 
men  he  left  behind  him,  I  should  be  rewarded. 

Very  early  the  next  morning,  I  set  myself  to  the  per- 
formance of  wliat  I  owed  to  the  sick.  AH  the  refresh- 
ments that  the  utmost  cleanliness  of  both  bed  and  board 
could  yield;  all  the  vigour  and  spirits  that  nourishing 
diet  could  impart,  and  all  the  relief  that  suitable  medi- 
cines could  afford,  were  plentifully  supplied  to  those 
unfortunate  suiFerers.  And  with  the  assistance  of  Dr. 
Wm.  Baker,  of  Georgetown,  who  generously  volun- 


Capture  of  JVashhigton. 


683 


teered  his  services,  the  fractured  limbs  and  wounds 
were  set  and  dressed  to  their  exceeding  comfort  by  the 
evening. 

After  a  few  days,  Dr.  Baker  and  myself  were  noti- 
fied by  Dr.  Worthington,  that  he  w^as  appointed  by 
the  government  to  take  charge  of  the  British  prison- 
ers. I  expressed  much  surprise  that  an  arrangement 
of  this  sort  had  been  made  with  so  little  regard  to 
my  feelings,  since  I  had  been  all  along  attending 
those  unfortunate  sufferers,  and  had,  through  a  kind 
Providence,  rendered  them  those  services,  without 
which,  it  is  well  known,  that  many  of  them  must  in- 
evitably have  perished.  I  also  observed,  that  after  my 
solemn  promise  made  to  general  Ross,  I  should  never 
forgive  myself  if  I  abandoned  his  men. 

Dr.  Worthington  replied,  that  the  affair  might  be 
easily  accommodated,  for  as  he  was  appointed  to  super- 
intend the  hospital  at  Bladensburg,  as  well  as  this  in 
Washington,  making  together  a  sum  of  duties  more  than 
he  could  discharge,  he  would  be  glad  of  my  assistance. 

In  this  way,  the  British  sick  still  continued  the  ob- 
jects of  my  medical  attention.  And  I  am  most  happy  to 
add,  so  signal  were  the  smiles  of  Providence,  on  my 
exertions  in  their  behalf,  that,  although  the  bilious  fever 
and  dysentery  raged  in  the  hospital  and  encampments, 
with  a  violence  that  swept  off  nunibers  of  my  own  coun- 
trymen, yet  not  one  of  the  British  simk  under  their  afflic- 
tion, except  Dr.  Monteith. 

This  extraordinary  success  is  to  be  ascribed,  I  shall 
ever  think,  as  much  to  moral ?iS  to  medical  cause.  Clean- 
liness, fresh  air,  and  pleasant  restorative  diet,  contri- 
buted much,  no  doubt,  to  that  desirable  event;  but  not 
more,  I  firmly  believe,  than  did  the  continued  efforts 
that  were  made  to  keep  up  the  spirits  of  my  patients, 
and  to  render  their  minds  habitually  cheerful.  Appre- 
hensive that  the  recollection  of  being  our  prisoners, 
might  give  that  morbid  irritability  to  their  minds,  which 
by  destroying  the  spirits,  would  retard  the  cure,  I  stu- 
diously avoided  every  thing  of  that  malignant  tendency, 
and  as  diligently  redoubled  my  efforts  to  gratify^  as 


684 


Capture  of  Washington. 


far  as  I  was  able,  their  wishes,  and  to  anticipate  their 
wants. 

Had  general  Ross  but  lived,  I  am  confident  I  should 
have  been  liberally  renumerated  for  the  articles  which 
were  taken  from  my  house,  as  well  as  for  my  medical 
attentions  to  his  men,  and  for  the  supplies  over  and 
above  the  allowance  made  by  my  own  government. 
But  should  I  never  receive  a  cent  from  the  British  go- 
vernment, I  am  not  left  without  reward.  The  recol- 
lection of  having  done  unto  these  afflicted  foreigners,  as 
I  would  they  had  done  unto  me,  is  a  source  of  the  live- 
liest satisfaction  to  me  as  a  man;  besides  what  I  enjoy 
as  an  American^  on  comparing  my  conduct  with  that  of 
captain  Shortland  of  Dartmoor  prison,  general  Proctor 
of  the  army  in  Upper  Canada,  as  also  colonel  Elliot, 
who,  after  having  pledged  himself  to  protect  his  wound-, 
ed  prisoner,  captain  Hart,  an  old  and  intimate  acquain- 
tance of  his,  and  brother-in-law  of  those  distinguished 
characters,  the  honourable  H.  Clay,  and  James  Brown, 
suffered  him  to  be  inhumanly  butchered  by  the  Indian 
tomahawk. 

But  sorry  am  I  to  add,  that  for  my  kindness  to  the 
British  prisoners,  I  got  no  thanks  from  some  of  my  neigh- 
bours. On  the  contrary,  a  few  of  them  at  least,  were  so 
enraged  against  me,  that  they  branded  me  as  a  trai- 
tor and  a  friend  to  the  British!  And  indeed, 
I  have  no  doubt,  had  these  unthinking  people  but  pos- 
sessed a  power  equal  to  their  passions,  they  would  have 
acted  in  this  fair  city  of  Washington,  the  same  horrid 
tragedies  as  did  the  blind  mob  in  Paris,  under  Robes- 
pierre and  Marat,  and  have  made  me  the  bloody  victim 
of  their  diabolical  rage  and  fury.  But  I  am  truly  happy 
to  state,  that  these  men  were  not  Americans.  No,  they 
were  emigrants;  and  which  is  astonishing,  they  were  the 
very  countrymen  of  those  wounded  prisoners,  to  whom 
I  afforded  that  aid  which  man  ever  owes  to  the  unfortu- 
nate. 

The  truth  is,  these  men  finding,  on  their  return  from 
flight  before  the  British  army,  their  houses  had  been 
plundered  of  a  fe-vo  articles^  fell  into  such  a  rage,  that 


Capture  of  JFasJiington. 


685 


they  were  instantly  for  blowing  up  the  British  prison- 
ers, and  hanging  me  for  having  treated  them  with  the 
tenderness  which  their  condition  as  sick  and  wounded 
prisoners  required. 

Thank  God,  these  inconsiderate  men  were  among  a 
people  who  would  give  them  no  countenance  in  such 
diabolical  acts.  They  were  surrounded  by  charitable 
Americans,  who,  with  the  most  tenacious  regard  to 
their  own  rights,  cherished  an  equal  regard  to  the 
rights  of  others,  and  therefore  hold  in  proper  detesta- 
tion, those  infernal  mobs  that  would  swallow  up  the 
rights  of  all,  and  convert  society  into  the  greatest  of 
curses. 

I  have  much  pleasure,  in  contemplating  the  contrast 
exhibited  in  the  spirit  and  conduct  of  that  estimable 
and  faithful  disciple  of  Christ,  the  Reverend  Mr.  Brack- 
enridge,  who,  although  a  great  sufferer  by  the  British 
in  Washington,  was  among  the  first  to  afford  comforts 
and  consolations  to  the  wounded  and  otherwise  afflicted 
prisoners !  He  prayed  among  enemies! 

Yes,  I  rejoice  to  state,  that  my  virtuous  countrymen 
were  not  implicated  with  those  unthinking  men;  so  far 
from  menacing  me  for  an  act  of  mercy,  which  man  eter- 
nally owes  to  man,  they  most  heartily  applauded  me 
for  it.  And  if  I  could  possibly  require  any  greater 
pleasure  than  that  which  I  feel,  when  I  think  of  what 
I  did  for  those  poor  sick  strangers,  I  should  find  it  in 
the  commendations  bestowed  on  me,  not  only  by  my 
worthy  countrymen  who  are  denominated  federalists; 
but  also  by  the  republican:.,  and  those  especially,  whose 
esteem  I  most  highly  prized,  as  Charles  Carroll,  Esq. 
of  Bellevue,  John  Graham,  Esq.  general  Van  Ness, 
colonel  Brent,  Dr.  Thornton,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Chalmers, 
Mr.  M'Kenny,  the  honourable  G.  W.  Campbell, 
Gaillard,  Cheves,  Lowndes,  Troup,  Cuthbert,  Eppes, 
Jackson,  Gholson,  Hawes,  Condict,  M'Kim,  Ringgold^ 
Desha,  Chappell,  &,c.  &c. 

When  these  worthy  patriots  understood  that  I  had 
visited  those  afflicted  captives,  and  rendered  them  aid 
before  the  hand  of  government  had  been  extended  to 


686 


Capture  of  Washington. 


their  relief,  they  expressed  their  high  approbation  of  my 
conduct,  and  several  of  them  came  to  my  house  and 
thanked  me  for  an  act  so  honourable  to  the  character  of 
the  American  people,  and  above  all  so  pleasing  to  God, 
and  therefore  so  sure  to  draw  after  it  his  blessing.  And 
I  am  happy  to  add,  that  his  blessing  in  one  goodly  shape 
at  least,  was  soon  visited  upon  us  for  this  kindness  to 
the  British  prisoners,  and  through  the  medium  of  their 
gratitude. 

Finding  that  instead  of  having  been  treated  as  they 
expected,  with  great  harshness  for  burning  our  capitol, 
they  had  been  treated  with  the  utmost  tenderness  and 
hospitality,  they  were  struck  with  admiration  of  our 
goodness  to  them.  Not  only  their  language  but  their 
looks  afforded  us  daily  the  most  pleasing  assurances  of 
their  gratitude.  And  as  soon  as  their  health  would 
allow,  they  appeared  as  if  never  so  happy  as  when 
they  were  domg  something  to  requite  us  as  far  as  they 
were  able. 

To  their  great  credit  I  can  say,  with  truth,  that  in 
some  laudable  degree  this  amiable  spirit  appeared  to 
belong  to  most  of  them.  But  in  some  it  was  more 
especially  and  gloriously  predominant.  There  for  ex- 
ample were  sergeant  Hutchinson  of  the  royal  sappers 
and  miners,  and  Alexander  Gunn  of  the  Scotch  fusi- 
liers. Those  two  young  men,  though  low  in  rank,  should 
stand  forever  high  on  the  list  of  that  virtuous  fame  which 
belongs  to  sensible  and  grateful  dispositions.  They  acted 
as  though  they  could  never  give  proof  enough  of  their 
love  for  the  Americans.  And  it  is  a  sacred  truth,  that 
when  the  American  soldiers  shrunk,  as  was  sometimes 
the  case,  from  their  sick  and  dying  comrades,  through 
fear  of  the  infection,  these  English  soldiers  volunteered 
their  services !~^2iX.  up  with  the  sick — washed  the  bodies 
of  the  dead — and  performed  all  the  last  sad  offices  of  hu- 
manity, with  as  much  tenderness  as  though  the  deceas- 
ed had  been  their  own  relations  and  friends.  And  it  is 
but  justice  to  these  Englishmen  to  declare,  that  to  their 
favourable  reports  of  our  kindness  to  them  on  this  oc- 
casion, were  to  be  ascribed  many  noble  instances  of 


Capture  of  Washmgton.  687 


British  politeness  to  our  worthy  citizens  who  feil  into 
their  hands. 

That  very  amiable  gentlemen  and  distinguished  phy- 
sician, Dr.  Beans,  of  Marlborough,  was  made  prisoner 
by  the  British  as  they  were  retreating  to  their  vessels. 
The  benevolent  F.  Key,  Esq.  of  Georgetown,  learning 
this,  immediately  obtained  letters  from  sergeant  Hutch- 
inson  and  others  of  the  prisoners,  and  went  with  a  flag 
on  board  the  British  squadron  for  his  release.  Soon 
as  general  Ross  had  perused  the  letter  of  sergeant 
Hutchinson,  detailing  the  generous  treatment  which  he 
and  his  comrades  had  received,  he  issued  orders  for 
the  immediate  liberation  of  Dr.  Beans,  although  it  had 
been  previously  determined  that  he  should  be  sent  to 
Bermuda.  Thus  by  common  acts  of  Christian  charity 
to  these  poor  captives,  a  most  valuable  life  was  saved  to 
his  family  and  country. 

Who  does  not  in  this  behold  another  additional  proof 
that  the  maddest  policy  on  earth  is  revenge,  and  that 
the  wisest  philosophy  under  heaven,  is  that  which 
teaches  us  "  to  love  our  enemies,  and  do  good  for  evil.'^ 
And  besides  its  exceeding  pleasure  and  advantage, 
w^here  is  the  charm,  out  of  heaven,  that  so  fascinates 
all  hearts  as  that  of  God-like  generosity  to  an  enemy 
that  is  in  our  power?  Take  the  following  which  was 
communicated  to  me  by  commodore  Barney  himself. 

As  this  gallant  officer  lay  on  the  battle-ground  badly 
wounded  and  helpless,  and  his  men  by  his  own  order 
all  retreated  from  him,  he  beckoned  to  an  English  sol- 
dier to  come  to  his  assistance.  The  soldier  instantly 
stepped  up  and  rendered  the  required  service  with  as 
amiable  an  alacrity  as  to  his  own  general.  "  You  are 
a  noble  fellow,"  said  the  commodore,  "  and  I  am  sorry 
I  have  not  a  purse  for  you.  But  here's  my  gold  watch; 
you  are  welcome  to  it." 

**No,  sir,"  replied  the  Englishman,  can  assist  a 
brave  man  without  being  paid  for  it." 

As  I  have  some  how  or  other  got  into  a  string  of 
anecdotes  about  the  British  exploits  in  Washington,  I 


688  Cap  ture  of  Washington. 


beg  leave  to  mention  one  or  two  more.  As  admiral 
Cock  burn  was  looking  at  his  men  while  they  were 
throwing  into  the  streets  the  types  of  the  National  In- 
telligencer, an  American  gentleman  observed  to  him, 
'*if  general  Washington  had  been  alive,  you  would 
not  have  gotten  into  this  city  so  easily."  "No,  sir," 
replied  the  admiral.  if  general  Washington  had  been 
president,  we  should  never  have  thought  of  coming 
here." 

When  this  was  told  me,  I  added,  "  No,  sir,  nor  if 
even  the  chairman  of  the  military  commitee  had  been 
secretary  of  war^  would  they  have  dared  it."  The  chair- 
man  1  allude  to,  was  the  patriotic  G.  M.  Troup,  of 
Georgia,  who  was  always  for  carrying  on  the  war  with 
the  greatest  energy,  and  who  would,  at  least,  have  had 
a  sufficient  force,  with  an  experienced  commander,  to 
defend  the  metropolis  of  the  United  States  against  an 
invading  army  of  four  thousand  men! 

As  I  have  mentioned  the  name  of  Troup,  I  cannot 
forbear  relating  the  following  anecdote  of  this  virtu- 
ous patriot.  Besides  the  honour  it  does  him,  it  is 
calculated  to  exalt  the  charm  of  that  stern  Spartan 
virtue,  which  alone  can  give  immortality  to  our  repub- 
lic. 

The  colonel's  younger  brother,  Dr.  James  Troup, 
studied  physic  with  me  in  Savannah:  and  while  his 
uncommon  talents  excited  my  admiration,  his  gentle 
and  affectionate  spirit  conciliated  my  esteem  in  the 
highest  degree.  At  my  request,  the  honourable  Paul  Ha- 
milton, formerly  secretary  of  the  navy,  appointed  him 
hospital  surgeon  for  the  state  of  Georgia  during  the 
war. 

Col.  Troup,  on  learning  from  me  that  I  had  obtained 
this  commission  for  his  brother,  replied  with  a  look 
of  strong  disapprobation,  "  No,  doctor,  it  will  not  do; 
I  thank  you  for  your  good  wishes  to  my  brother;  but, 
sir,  he  must  not  except  the  commission  you  have  been 
so  good  as  to  procure  for  him.  I  know,"  continued 
he,  "it  is  an  appointment  both  of  honour  and  profit^ 


Capture  of  Washington.  689 


but  still  I  can  never  consent  to  his  taking  it.  It  may  be 
be  thought  that  I  procured  it  for  him.  And  I  cannot 
bear  the  idea  of  using  any  influence  that  I  may  ever 
gain  under  government  to  raise  my  relations  into  office." 

After  this  long,  though  I  hope  not  uninteresting  di- 
gression, we  will  return  to  the  bilious  fever. 

I  have  stated  that  Dr.  Monteith  was  the  only  victim 
of  this  disease  among  the  British  prisoners  in  the  hos- 
pital here.  Would  to  God  there  had  perished  but  one  in 
the  American  hospitals  and  encampments. 

But,  alas!  my  heart  bleeds  when  I  think  how  many 
thousands  perished  during  this  war.  I  do  not  mean 
the  common  hireling  soldiery,  who,  destitute  of  all  vir- 
tuous habits,  are  perhaps  the  fit  victims  of  war.  No; 
but  I  speak  of  the  thousands  of  our  virtuous  yeomanry, 
who,  diseased  or  wounded  in  their  country's  service, 
have  been  cruelly  sacrificed  at  the  shrine  of  public  ne- 
gleet. 

Think  now  of  the  following,  which  is  but  a  common 
case.  A  regiment  of  brave  patriots,  notwithstanding 
the  tears  of  wives,  mothers  and  sisters,  set  out  full  of 
spirits,  and  eager  to  meet  the  enemy  of  their  country. 

Many  of  them  who  had  never,  perhaps,  walked  ten 
miles  in  a  day,  are  hurried  on  by  an  imprudent  officer 
twenty  or  thirty  miles,  possibly,  on  the  first  day,  with  a 
heavy  musket  and  knapsack  on  their  shoulders!  In  the 
evening  borne  down  with  unusual  fatigue,  and  their 
linen  stiff  with  acrid  perspiration,  they  halt  for  the 
night.  Both  in  mind  and  body  they  require  some- 
thing to  exhil^arate  and  to  strengthen.  But,  behold! 
in  lieu  of  those  refreshments  which  they  had  been  ac- 
customed to  at  home,  only  a  little  raw  meat  is  afforded 
for  their  bill  of  fare,  and  the  cold  earth,  frequently 
without  a  tent,  for  their  bed.  What  wonder  that  one 
fourth  or  fifth  of  this  regiment  should  the  very  next 
morning  be  laid  up!  merely  for  lack  of  those  provisions 
which  certainly  it  was  the  duty  of  some  officer  or  other 
under  the  government  to  have  supplied. 

I  have  it  from  a  gentleman  who  was  on  the  spot,  that 
of  a  fine  regiment  of  Virginia  volunteers  encamping  pre- 

4  S 


690 


Capture  of  JVashington, 


cisely  under  these  circumstances,  near  Snowden's  iron 
works,  upwards  of  two  hundred  were  the  next  day  on 
the  sick  list,  several  of  whom  died. 

And  there,  for  another  example,  were  the  five  thou- 
sand, who,  according  to  the  proverb  of  locking  the 
stable  door  after  the  steed  is  stolen,"  were  rapidly 
marched  to  Washington — after  the  city  was  taken — 
after  the  capitoi,  ihe  president's  house,  war  and  trea- 
sury offices  were  all  burnt — after  the  navy  yard  and 
frigates  were  all  demolished — and  after  the  bridges 
were  all  blow^n  up — I  say,  of  those  five  thousand  men, 
what  awful  numbers  perished  miserably,  merely  for 
lack  of  proper  nourishment,  medical  attentions,  and 
suitable  accommodations. 

True  it  is,  by  order  of  the  then  acting  secretary  of 
war  a  hospital  was  established  here  for  the  accommoda- 
tion of  the  sick  militia.  But  let  not  the  reader  lie  under 
a  mistake  about  this  hospital.  The  word  hospital  sig- 
nifies not  only  a  receptacle  for  the  sick,  but  a  place  for 
every  thing  clean  and  sweet,  and  every  thing  nourish- 
hig  and  healing,  with  skilful  physicians  and  attentive 
nurses.  But,  alas!  this  hospital  had  no  such  meaning — 
the'  truth  of  which  many  members  of  congress  and  citi- 
zens can  attest. 

The  hospital  was  contiguous  to  the  apartments  oc- 
cupied by  the  British  sick  whom  I  attended,  and  being 
frequently  entreated  by  my  countrymen  who  were  not 
under  my  care  to  prescribe  for  them,  I  had  a  fair  op- 
portunity to  witness  their  wretched  situation.  And  I 
\vill  declare  before  my  God,  I  have  seen  twenty  or  thirty 
sick  militia-men  brought  in  of  a  day  to  this  hospital, 
where,  instead  of  the  pleasant  and  cordial  refreshments 
which  their  languid  situation  required,  their  rations  of 
raw  beef  were  thrown  on  a  table,  there  lying  for  hours 
together  for  the  poor  sick  soldiers  to  divide  and  dress 
for  themselves  as  they  could!  And  what  was  still  more 
deplorable  in  this  militia- murdering  hospital,  a  young 
man  of  eighteen  years  of  age,  who  had  been  studying 
medicine  only  a  few  months,  and  hardly  knew  how  to  put 
u.p  the  simplest  prescription,  much  less  to  prescribe  in 


Capture  of  JFas/wigton. 


691 


the  absence  of  the  surgeqn,  was  appointed  surgeon's 
mate! 

With  such  mismanagement,  what  wonder  that  so 
many  of  our  valuable  citizens  sunk  under  their  com- 
plaints? And  where  is  the  wonder  that  the y  should  have 
exclaimed,  with  tears  in  their  eyes — Had  we  but  died 
in  the  field  of  battle,  fightini^  for  liberty  and  our  country, 
we  should  have  gloried  in  such  a  death;  but  to  be  brought 
here  to  die  like  sheep,  it  is  insupportable!" 


f 


f 


GLOSSARY, 

OR 

EXPLANATION  OF  TECHNICAL  TERMS. 


^Ibdomen^  the  belly. 
Abortion,  miscarriage. 
.Abscess J  a  tumor  containing  mat- 
ter. 

Jbsorbents,  medicines  to  correct 
acidity,  and  absorb  or  dry  up 
superfluous  moisture. 

Abstemious,  low  living. 

jicceleratCy  to  quicken. 

.4cescenty  having  a  tendency  to 
acidity. 

Acidulated^  impregnated  with 
acids. 

Acme,  full  height. 

Acrid,  sharp  and  corrosive. 

Acute,  this  term  is  applied  to  a 
disease  which  is  violent,  and 
tends  to  a  speedy  termination. 

Adult,  of  full  age,  beyond  pu- 
berty. 

Affinity,  likeness,  resemblance. 
Affusion,  pouring  one  thing  on 

another. 
After-birth,  or  placenta  cake,  is 

the  substance  by  which  the 

child  is  connected  with  the 

mother  in  the  womb. 
After-pains,  see  grinding  pains. 
Ague-cake,  enlargement  of  the 

spleen. 

Alcohol,  rectified  spirits  of 
wine. 

Aliment,  nourishment. 
Alimentary  canal^  or  tube,  the 

stomach  and  intestines. 
Alkali,  any  substance  whicl),  min- 


gled with  acid,  produces  fer- 
mentation. 

Alternate,  branches  or  leaves,  or 
flowers,  springing  out  regu- 
larly one  above  another. 

Alternate,  changed  by  turns. 

Analogous,  one  like  another. 

Annual,  living  only  one  year. 

Anodyne,  composing  medicines, 
and  such  as  mitigate  pains. 

Antidote,  a  medicine  to  destroy 
poisons. 

Antifogmatics,  drams. 

Antipathy,  an  aversion  to  par- 
ticular things. 

Antiphlogistic,  counteracting  in- 
flammation. 

Antiscorbutic,  good  against  the 
scurvy. 

Antiseptics,  medicines  to  correct 
putridity  or  rottenness. 

Antisfiasmodic ,  whatever  tends 
to  prevent  or  remove  spasm. 

Antispasmodics,  medicines  for 
curing  spasms,  as  laudanum 
and  aether. 

Anus,  the  fundament. 

Aperient,  opening. 

Aphthous,  resembling  the  thrush. 

Areola,  the  circle  which  sur- 
rounds the  nipple  on  the 
breast. 

Aromatic,  spicy,  pungent. 

Artery,  a  conic  canal,  conveying 
the  blood  from  the  heart  to  all 
parts  of  the  body. 

Astringents,  medicines  to  cor- 
rect looseness  and  debility. 


694 


Glossary^  or 


Atmosfihere^  surroundin,^.^ir. 
Attenuants^  medicines  for  redu- 
cing the  body. 

B 

JBiennialy  continuing  alive  two 
years. 

Bile^  or  gall,  a  fluid  secreted  by 
the  liver  into  the  gall-bladder, 
and  thence  discharged  into  tlic 
intestines,  for  the  purpose  of 
promoting  digestion. 

Bougie^  a  taper  body,  introduced 
into  a  passage  or  sinus,  to  keep 
it  open,  or  to  enlarge  it. 

Bolus,  a  form  of  medicine  in  a 
mass,  larger  than  pills. 

Bulbous,  root  as  garlic  and  onion; 
it  is  either 
Solid  as  in  the  tulip  and  turnip, 
Scaiy  as  in  the  lily, 
Coated  as  in  the  onion. 

G 

Calculous,  stony  or  gravelly. 

CalLus,  hard  or  firm. 

Cant har ides,  the  Spanish  flies, 
used  in  blisters. 

Cafiillary,  fine,  hair-like. 

Caiisule,  a  dry  hollow  vessel  con- 
taining the  seed  or  fruit. 

Carious,  rotten,  applied  princi- 
pally to  the  bones  and  teeth. 

Carminatives,  medicines  for  dis- 
pelling wind. 

Catafilasm,  a  poultice  or  soft 
plaster. 

Catarrh,  a  discharge  from  the 
head  or  throat. 

Cathartic,  a  purge. 

Catheter,  a  pipe  to  draw  off  urine. 

Qatkin,  a  composition  of  flowers 
and  chuff  on  a  long,  slender, 
thread-shaped  receptacle;  the 
figure  of  the  whole  resem- 
bling a  cat's  tail. 

Caustics,  burning  applications. 


Cautery,  the  act  of  burning  with 

a  hot  iron  or  caustic. 
Cutaneous,  of  or  belonging  to  the 

skin. 

Characteristic,  a  mark,  sign,  to- 
ken. 

Charcoal,  a  coal  made  by  burn- 
ing wood  under  turf. 

Chronic,  lingering  disease,  in  op- 
position to  acute. 

Chyle,  a  milky  fluid,  separated 
from  the  aliment  in  the  intes- 
tines, mixing  Avith,  and  form- 
ing the  blood. 

Circulation,  the  motion  of  the 
blood,  which  is  propelled  by 
the  heart  through  the  arteries, 
and  returned  by  the  veins. 

Cla?n?ny  sweats,  cold,  glutinous. 

Cleanings,  see  lochial  discharge. 

Coagulum,  a  curd. 

Comatose,  inclined  to  sleep. 

Comfiress,  several  folds  of  linen 
rags,  a  bandage. 

Concave,  hollowed  out  like  a 
bowl,  as  the  petals  of  the  cher- 
ry or  the  hawthorn;  and  the 
broad-leaved  plantain. 

Cone,  or  strobile,  a  species  of 
seed-vessel  formed  by  a  cat- 
kin with  hardened  scales;  con- 
taining a  seed  within  the  base 
of  each  scale;  as  in  the  pine 
or  fir. 

Conjiuent,  running  together. 
Constipation,    obstruction,  cos- 

tiveness. 
Contagion,  infectious  matter. 
Contusion,  a  bruise. 
Convalescence,    recovery  from 

sickness. 
Convex,  opposed   to  concave: 

rising  like  the  surface  of  a 

globe. 

Convulsions^  violent  motions, 
fits. 

Corolla,  blossoms,  petals,  or 
flower-leaves,  is  that  beautiful 
part  of  a  flower  which  first 


Explanation  of  Technical  Terms.  695 


draws  the  attention  as  the 
flower  itself. 

Corroborants^  tonics  or  strength- 
ening medicines. 

Corrosive<t  substances  that  con- 
sume or  eat  away. 

Cortex^  bark  or  covering. 

Cosmetic,  beautifying. 

Crisis,  a  certain  period  in  a  dis- 
ease at  which  there  happens  a 
decisive  alteration,  either  for 
the  better  or  worse. 

Critical,  decisive  or  important. 

Crudity,  rawness,indigesiion. 


D 


Debility,  weakness. 
Decoction,  a  preparation  by  boil- 
ing. 

Decumbent,  lying  down  or  de- 
clining. 

Deglutition,  the  act  of  swallow- 
ing. 

Deletenous,  poisonous,  deadly. 

Delirium,  light-headedness. 

Demoniacal,  baneful,  hurtful. 

Demulcent,  softening,  sheathing. 

Dentition,  teething. 

Detergent,  cleansing. 

Diaphoretic,  promoting  perspi- 
ration. 

Diarrhoea,  a  looseness. 

Diathesis,  disposition  or  habit  of 
body. 

Dietetic,  relating  to  diet,  or  re- 
gimen. 

Diluents,  substances  to  dilute  or 
make  thin. 

Discutient,  a  medicine  that  has 
the  power  to  repel. 

Dislocation,  a  joint  put  out  of 
place. 

Disposition,  tendency. 

Diuretic,  whatever  promotes  the 
secretion  of  urine. 

Drastics,  active  or  strong  purges. 

Dyspeptic,  belonging  to  bad  di- 
gestion. 


Eccymosis,  a  tumour,  the  effect 
of  lilood-Ietting. 

Efflorescence,  eruption,  or  the 
redness  round  it. 

Effluvia,  exhalation. 

Egg'sha/ied^  signifies  a  shape 
resembling  the  solid  substance 
of  an  egg;  or  in  respect  to 
leaves  it  implies  only  the  form 
of  an  egg,  divided  longwise. 

Emaciation,  wasting  of  flesh. 

Empiric,  a  quack. 

E.namel,  the  outside  covering  of 
the  teeth. 

Endemic,  a  disease  peculiar  to  a 
certain  district. 

Enervate,  to  weaken. 

E.pidemic,  contagious. 

Equilibrium,  equal  weight. 

Eructation,  a  belch. 

Eruption,  breaking  out  in  pus- 
tules. 

Exacerbation,  the  increase  of  any 

disease. 
Excoriation,  the  loss  of  skin. 
Excretion,  discharge  of  animal 

fluids,  or  matter. 
Exhibit,  to  administer. 
Expectoration,  a  discharge  from 

the  breast. 
Extremities,  arms  and  legs. 


Fceces,  excrements. 

Farinaceous,  meally. 

Febrifuge,  removing  fever. 

Febrile,  feverish. 

Fetid,  of  an  offensive  smell. 

Fibrous,  composed  of  small 
threads  or  fibres. 

F'irst  passages,  stomach  and 
bowels. 

Flatulent,  producing  wind. 

Flooding,  an  overflow  ofthe  men- 
ses. 

Fatus.  the  child  in  the  won\b. 


696 


Glossary,  or 


Fementation,  partial  bathing,  by 
the  application  of  flannels  dip- 
ped in  liquids. 

Fracture^  a  broken  bone. 

Friction^  the  act  of  rubbing. 

Fungus  J  proud  flesh. 

Fumigation^  a  vapour  raised  by 
burning. 


Gangrene^  a  feeble  circulation, 
followed  by  mortification. 

Gargle^  a  wash  for  the  mouth 
and  throat. 

Germen,  or  seed-bud,  the  lower 
part  of  a  pistil,  is  destined  to 
contain  the  embryo  seed. 

Genusy  the  second  subdivision  of 
plants;  it  comprehends  an  as- 
semblange  of  speciesunder  the 
same  class  and  order. 

Giandi  a  secretary  organ. 

Glutinous,  gluey,  sticky. 

Grinding,  or  after-fiains,  pains 
that  occur  after  labour. 

Grog-blossomsy  pimples  on  the 
face  produced  by  drinking. 

H 

Heart -shafied,  a  term  used  to 
express  the  form  of  a  petal  or 
leaf,  which  resembles  a  heart 
divided  lengthwise. 

Hectic-fever,  a  slow  consuming 
fever  generally  attending  the 
absorption  of  purulent,  or  other 
acrid  matter  into  the  blood. 

Jiainorrhage,  a  discharge  of 
blood. 

Hcemorrhoidal,  relating  to  the 
piles. 

Hepatic,  relating  to  the  liver. 
Hyfiochondriacal,  melancholy, 
very  dejected,  low  in  spirits. 


I^hor,  a  thin  watery  humour. 
ImbeciUcy,  debility,  weakness, 


Immersion,  plunging  under  wa- 
ter. 

Imposthume,  a  collection  of  pu- 
rulent matter. 

Inanition,  emptiness. 

Incarnating,  healing. 

Incrassate,  to  tliicken. 

Indented,  the  edges  of  an  in- 
dented leaf  are  hollowed,  or 
deeply  scolloped,  the  lobes 
standing  asunder,  as  if  part  of 
the  leaf  had  been  cut  out. 
The  leaf  of  the  oak  or  the 
turnip  are  familiar  examples. 

Indigenous,  native  to  a  country. 

Indigestible,  difficult  of  diges- 
tion. 

Induration,  hardening. 

Indisposition  f  a  disorder  of 
health. 

Inebriety,  drunkenness. 

Infection,  contagion. 

Inflammation,  an  increased  ac- 
tion in  the  part. 

Inflated,  distended,  as  if  inflatod 
like  a  blown  up  bladder. 

Infusion,  steeping  any  thing  in 
liquor  without  boiling,  as  te» 
is  made. 

Inhale,  to  draw  in  by  breath. 

Inspissate,  to  thicken. 

Intestinal,  belonging  to  the  in- 
testines or  guts. 

Intestines,  the  internal  parts  of 
the  body. 

Irrespirable,  unfit  to  be  breathed. 

Irritability,  a  disposition  to  con- 
tract from  a  stimulus. 

Julepi,  mixtures  of  simple  aod 
compound  mixtures. 


Lacteals,  vessels  conveyingchyle. 
Languor,  want  of   strength  or 
spirits. 

Lateral,  growing  from  the  sides 

of  the  stems  or  stalks. 
Laxatives,  relieving  cosliveness. 


Explanation  of  Technical  Terms,  697 


Levigated^  reduced  to  a  fine  pow- 
der. 

Ligature^  a  bandag;e,  any  thing 

tied  round  another. 
Ligneous^  woody. 
tLmimtnt^  a  composition  of  the 

consistence  of  oil. 
Lobed^  divided,  or  lip-shaped. 
J.otion,  a  wash. 

Lochial  discharge^  or  cleansings, 
a  discharge  from  the  womb. 

M 

Magnum  dei  donum^  the  great 
gift  of  God. 

Mastication^  act  of  chewing. 

Maturity^  of  full  years. 

Meconium^  the  infant's  first  or 
black  stools. 

Membrane^  a  web  of  fibres,  in- 
terwoven for  covering  certain 
parts. 

MZ7ruation\  the  monthly 

courses. 
Mefihiticy  suffocating,  noxious. 
Meum  et  tuum^  mine  and  thine. 


Miasmata^ 


morbid  exhalations, 


Miasma 

or  vapours 
Miliary  erufition^  an  eruption  of 
pustules  resembling  the  seeds 
of  millet. 
Morbid^  diseased,  corrupt. 
Morbijic^  causing  disease. 
Mucilage^    a   glutinous,  slimy 

substance. 
Mucus^  resembling  the  matter 
discharged   from    the  nose, 
lungs,  8cc. 

N 

JVarcoticsi  medicines  producing 

torpor  and  sleep. 
Miusea,  an  inclination  to  vomit. 
JVervouSf  irritable. 
JsTostrnm^  a  patent,  or  other  me- 


dicine, the  composition  of 
which  is  kept  secret  by  the 
proprietor. 


O 


Oblongs  considerably  longer  than 
broad,  and  narrowed  though 
rounded  at  the  ends;  as  the 
leaves  of  the  daisy. 

Obiwid^AO  blunt. 

CEdcmatous^  swelled,  as  in  a 
dropsical  state  of  skin. 

Ofiiates^  medicines  which  pro- 
mote sleep,  as  opium. 

Ofilitlialmia^  a  disease  of  the  eyes. 

Ovate,  or  oval,  egg-shaped. 


Pancreas,  the  sweet  bread. 
Paralytic,  relating  to  palsy. 
Paroxysm,  a  periodical  fit  or  at- 
tack. 

Pectoral,  medicines  adapted  to 
cure  diseases  of  the  breast. 

Pedide,  a  short  foot-stalk,  or 
partial  fruit  stalk,  being  that 
part  of  a  compound  or  branch- 
ed fruit  stalk,  which  is  the  im- 
mediate support  of  a  single 
flower,  or  floret. 

Pelvis,  the  bones  at  the  lower 
part  of  the  trunk  of  the  body. 

Perennial,  continuing  for  several 
years;  at  least  more  than  two, 
and  regerminating  several 
years  successively. 

Pestilential,  infectious. 

Petals,  the  leaves  which  consti- 
tute the  blossoms  or  flowers 
are  so  called  to  distinguish 
them  from  the  other  leaves  of 
the  plant. 

Phlegmatic,  relaxed  and  abound- 
ing with  phlegm. 

Phlogistic,  inflammatory. 

Phthisical,  consumptive^ 

Pilch,  napkin^  clout. 


4T 


698 


Glossary  J  or 


Placenta-cake^  see  after-birth. 
Plethoric,  of  a  full  habit. 
Plenitude,  fulness  of  blood. 
Precarious,  doubtful,  uncertain. 
Predisfiosition,  susceptibility  of 
disease. 

Premature,  too  hasty,  too  early. 

Preternatural,  unusual,  not  na- 
tural. 

Primary,  original. 

Prolafisus,  the  falling  down  or 
out. 

Proximate  cause,  the  immediate 
cause  of  disease. 

Ptyalism,  a  copious  flow  of  spit- 
tle. 

Puerfieral,  of,  or  belong;ing  to 

child-bed. 
Pulmonary,   belonging    to  the 

lungs. 

Purulent,  matter  of  good  quality. 
Pus,  matter. 

Pustule,    a    purple    or  small 

swelling. 
Putrescence-^  rottenness.  ^ 

Q 

Quartan,  returning  every  fourth 
day. 

Quickening,  the  motion  of  the 
child  felt  by  the  mother  in  the 
womb. 

R 

Rectum,  the   straight   gut,  in 

which  the  faeces  are  contained. 
Red  gum ^  an  eruption  so  called. 
Refrigeration,  a  chill,  coldness. 
Regimen,  regulation  of  food,  air, 

exercise,  &:c. 
Remote  cause,  the  inducing  cause 

of  disease. 
Repletion,  the  act  of  filling  the 

body  with  food. 
Resolution,  a  termination  without 

suppuration. 
Resolvents,  dissolving  medicines 
Resjdration,  the  act  of  breathing. 


Resuscitation,  reviving jjbringing 
to  life. 

Retention,  the  retaining  some 

natural  discharge. 
Rheumy,  an  acrid  discharge, 

S 

Saline,  consisting  of  salt. 
Saliva,  spittle. 
Sanative,  healing. 
Sanguiferous,  carrying  blood. 
Sapoi.aceous,  soapy. 
Saturnine  Lotion,  lead  water. 
Scorbutic,  of,  or  belonging  to 
scurvy. 

Scr>efulous,  of,  or  belonging  to 
the  king*s-evil. 

Secondary,  not  primary;  a  se- 
condary fever  is  that  which  oc- 
curs after  a  crisis. 

Secretion,  the  separation  of  fluids 
from  the  body. 

Secundines,  the  placenta,  and 
membranes. 

Sedatives,  composing  medicines. 

Segments,  the  small  part  of  a  leaf 
cup  or  petal,  included  between 
the  incision. 

Semen,  the  seed. 

Serous,  thin,  watery. 

Serrated,  notched  like  a  saw. 

Siyiapism,  a  poultice  made  of 
flour,  mustard  and  vinegar. 

Slough,  the  parts  that  separate 
from  a  sore. 

Solitary f  only  one  in  a  place;  as 
but  one  flower  on  a  fruit  stalk; 
or  only  one  fruit  stalk,  pro- 
ceeding from  the  same  part  of 
a  plant. 

Soluble,  loose,  laxative. 

Sfiasm,  cramp,  convulsion. 

Specific,  an  infallible  remedy. 

Spear-shaped,  applied  to  a  leaf, 
signifies  that  it  is  shaped  like 
a  spear  or  lance. 

Spherical,  globular. 

Spike,  a  head  or  ear,  as  in  rye, 
barley,  wheat,  &c. 


Explanation  of  Technical  Terms, 


699 


S/iincj  the  back  bone. 

Stamina^f  the  constitution  or  ha- 
bit of  body. 

Stimulants,  irritative  medicines. 

Stomachics,  medicines  for  the  sto- 
mach. 

Strangury,  a  difficulty  of  ma- 
king water. 

Striated,  channelled,  furrowed. 

Stufior,  a  suspension  of  sensibi- 
lity. 

Sty/iiic,  a  medicine  stopping  the 
dischar^^e  of  blood. 

Sudorijics,  medicines  to  promote 
sweating. 

Su/i/iository,  a  candle,  or  any 
other  substance  or  composi- 
tion, introduced  into  the  rec- 
tum to  procure  stool. 

Swooning,  fainting. 

Symptomatic,  a  disease  not  pri- 
mary, but  arising  from  another 
in  contradiction  to  idiopathic. 

Syncofie^  a  fainting  or  swooning. 


Technical,  belonging  to  arts. 
Temfier anient,  a  peculiar  habit 

of  body. 
Temperature,  state  of  the  air. 
Tertian,  returning  every  third 

day. 

Tetany,  the  lock  jaw. 

Tonic,  bracing,  strengthening. 

Topical,  local,  confined  to  the 

diseased  part. 
Tumour f  a  swelling. 
Turgescence,  an  over  fulness. 
Type,  a  mark. 

Typhus,  a  genus  of  fever  com- 
prehending those  called  ner- 
vous, yellow  and  putrid. 

U 

Ulcer,  a  sore,  generally  ill-con- 
ditioned. 

Umbel,  a  composition  of  flowers, 
in  which  a  number  of  slender 
fruit  stalks  proceed  from  the 
same  centre,  and  rise  nearly 
to  the  same  height,  so  as  to 


form  a  regular  surface  at  the 
top.  Hemlock,  carrot,  and 
low  parsnip  are  examples. — 
These  are  said  to  be  umbel- 
liferous plants. 

U?ndilical  cord,  the  navel  string. 

Urethra,  the  canal  which  con- 
veys the  urine. 

Uterine,  belonging  to  the  womb. 

Uterusy  the  womb. 

Uvula,  the  palate. 


Vaccine,  vaccinous,  belonging  to 
or  matter  of  the  cow-pox. 

Vagina,  the  passage  to  the 
womb. 

Valetudinarian,  a  weak,  sickly 
person. 

Variolus,  small-pox  matter. 

Vascular,  belonging  to  the  ves- 
sels. 

Vehicle,  a  liquor  to  take  medi- 
cines in. 

Venous,  belonging  to  the  veins. 

Ventilation,  a  free  admission  or 
motion  of  air. 

Venomous, ') 

Vermifuge,  worm-dispelling  me- 
dicines. 
Vertigo,  giddiness. 
Vesicating,  blistering. 
Villous,  shaggy,  rough,  hairy. 
Virus,  poisonous  matter. 
Viscera,  the  entrails. 
Viscid,  glutinous,  tenacious. 
Vitaly  the  seat  of  life. 

W 

Whites,  the  discharge  from  the 
womb. 

Whorls,  this  term  is  applied  ei- 
ther to  branches,  leaves,  or 
flowers,  when  they  grow  all 
round  their  respective  stems, 
resembling  in  some  measure 
the  spokes  round  the  nave  of 
a  wheel. 


INDEX. 


A 


page. 

Abdomen,  or  belly,  descrip- 
tion of       -       -  54 
Abortion,  observations  on  453 
Abscess,  see  Tumours  416 
Absorbent  mixture,  doses  634 

  how  prepared  -  641 

Absorbent  and  aperient  mix- 
lure,  doses  of  634 
— —  how  prepared  64! 
Acid,  nitric,  diluted  643 

■         vegetable,  a  remedy 

in  scurvy       -  393 
Acidities,  see  heartburn  369 
Ackland,  lady  Harriet,  her 
great    affection  for  her 
husband  -  131 

Admonitory  hints  to  ladies  445 
Adolphus,  Gustavus,  his  ex- 
emplary piety  268 
Advice  to  masters  26 

  to  parents  182,  471 

After  pains  -  462 
Agrimonia,  properties  of  495 
Ague  and  fever  274 
Air,  its  influence  on  the  blood  51 

 on  the  body  74 

—  the  exact  weight  of  74 


—  necessity  for  its  renewal  79 


—  confined,  bad  effects  of  79 

—  warm,  relaxes  the  body  88 

—  damp  or  moist,  checks 
perspiration           -  89 

—  the  most  wholesome  89 

—  impure,  how  restored  298 
Alcibiades,  his  pride  check- 
ed by  Socrates  232 

Alder,  black,  properties  of  495 


page. 

Alexandria,  delegates  frorn  676 

Alkali,  caustic  volatile,  dos- 
es of       -       -       -  632 

Allen,  colonel,  died  for  his 
country  -  252 

Allen,  captain,  died  for  his 
country  -  -  252 

Alum  root,  properties  of  495 

Americans,  patriotism  of  252 

Anderson,  Dr.  recommends 
poison  oak  in  paralysis  577 

Angelica,  properties  of  496 

Anger,  dangerous  effects  of  183 
melancholy  instances  of  189 

 advantages  of  repress- 
ing our  rising  passions  ib 

  wonderful  effects  of 

music  in  subduing  it  193 

Anodyne  eye  water,  how 

prepared        -        -  312 

Anodyne  sudorific  drops, 
doses  of        -         -  634 

—  how  prepared  -  643 

—  draught,  how  prepared  644 
Antidysenteric  mixture,  do- 
ses of  -  -  634 

  how  prepared  641 

Antimonial  powders,  doses 
of  -  -  634 

  how  prepared       -  639 

Antiphon,  promised  to  do 
upon  souls  what  Hippo- 
crates did  on  bodies  168 
Apoplectic  fits  -  352 

Appetites,  three  kinds  of  94 
Apple,  Peru  -  496 

Arbutus  -  -  497 

Archer,  Dr.  celebrates  se- 
neka  in  croup  587 


Index, 


702 

Ardent  spirits,  properties  of  104 

  fatal  effects  of  105 

Argenes,  his  motive  for  kill- 
ing the  priests       -  265 
Aristides,  his  goodness        2 1 1 
Armistead,   captain,  died 

for  his  country  252 
Arms,  description  of  3 1 

  fracture  of  438 

  dislocation  of  433 

Arria,  her  invincible  love  for 

her  husband  130' 
Arrow-root,  properties  of  497 
Arsenic,  solution,  doses  of  632 
how  prepared  646 
Arteries,  use  of  -  35 
Asarabacca,  properties  of  497 
Asclepiades,  prescribes  mu- 
sic for  madness  193 
Askew,  cured  of  an  impost- 

humation  by  laughter  160 
Asthma,  treatment  of  368 
Astringent  washes  647 
Athenians,  the  instruction 
they  received  from  the 
oracle,  in  matters  of  re- 
ligion -  264 
Atmosphere,  definition  of  74 
—     -  component  parts  of  76 
Attalus,  terrified  by  his  con- 
science         -  178 
Augusta,  citizens  of,  noted 

for  hospitality  -  615 

Avarice,  injurious  to  health  212 
fatal  instances  of  213 
the  desire  of  Hippocra- 
tes to  find  out  an  antidote  213 
Avens,  properties  of  498 

B 

Babbit,  lieut.  died  for  his"^ 

country  -  252 

Backach -brake  498 
Backbone,  its  use  31 
Backus,  col.  gallant  con- 
duct at  Sackett's  ftai^ljour  662 
Bacon,  properties  of  102 


Baker,  Dr.  William,  his  be- 


nevolent conduct  682 
Balm,  properties  of  498 
Banks,  Sir  Joseph,  his  botan- 
ical excursion  -  111 
Barberry,  a  remedy  in  dys- 
entery and  jaundice  499 
Barbour,  Mrs.  testifies  the 
efficacy  of  samson  snake 
root  as  a  tonic          -        59 1 
Bark,  Peruvian,  caution  in 
the  use  of          -  276 

  tincture  of  -  654 

  cold  infusion  of  649 

  decoction  of  649 

  jacket  of  638 

Barney,  commodore,  his 

gallant  conduct       -  664 


Barton,  Dr.  his  noble  efforts 
to  serve  his  fellow-citizens  494 

 testifies  the  efficacy  of 

oak  bark  in  gangrene  567 

 of  poke-weed  in 

rheumatism  -  578 

 of  thorn  apple 

in  madness  and  epilepsy  600 

  —  of  tobacco  to 

dislodge  worms  606 
Balsam  capivi,  doses  of  632 
  Turlington's  how  pre- 
pared -  -  656 
Bastard  ipecacuanha  499 
Bath,  cold,  when  proper  24 

  warm,  efficacy  of  25 

Bayberry,  properties  of  499 
Baylis,  Dr.  recommends  la- 
vender thrift  as  an  anti- 
septic -  -  550 
Beans,  Dr.  his  release  686 
Bearberry,  499 
Beasley,  major,  died  for  his 

country  -       -  252 

Beatrice,  lady,  her  impiety 

and  death  -  166 

Beaufort,  Henry,  his  dread 

of  death       -  -  174 

Beauty,  wonderful  effects  of  446 
— r —  how  to  preserve  it  446 


Index. 


703 


Beddoes,  Dr.  celebrates  fox- 


glove in  consumption  531 
Bed-room,  the  most  proper 

situation  for         -       -  89 

Beech  drops        -       -  500 

Beef,  properties  of         -  102 

Beer,  receipts  for        -  543 

—  properties  of  -  104 
Beggar,  anecdote  of  one  1 10 
Belknap,  lieut.  died  for  his 

country  _  -  -  252 
Benne,  yields  an  excellent 

salladoil          -       -  500 

Betli-roQt,  properties  of  -  ib 

Bile,  nature  of,  explained  60 

Bilious  fever,  treatment  of  280 

 prevention       -  287 

Bind-weed      -       -       -  500 

Bird,  col.  entitled  to  praise  494 

 celebrates  the  bastard 

ipecacuanha  as  an  excel- 
lent emetic,  &c.       -  548 
Bishop  of  Salisbury  went 

mad  from  grief        -  166 

Bites  of  musquitoes        -  406 

—  of  venomous  animals  407 

 of  mad  dogs         -  408 

Bitters,  how  prepared      -  656 

 dangerous  effects  of  23 

Bittersweet         -       -  500 

Blackberry,  or  dewberry  501 

Bladensburg,  situation  of  663 

Blacksnake  root      -       -  501 

Bladder,  anatomy  of  -  61 
Blakely,  lieut.  died  for  his 

country  -  252 
Blaney,  lieut.  died  for  his 

country       -       -       -  ib 
Blazing  star        -       -  501 
Bleeding  at  the  nose        -  342 
Blood,  circulation  of    -  49 
 composed  of  two  dis- 
tinct parts        -       -  53 
Blood-letting,    how  per- 
formed       .       -       -  440 
Blood  root,  properties  of  501 
Blood  wort,  properties  of  523 
.  Bloody  flux         -       -  350 
Boerhaave,  Dr. verifies  that 


religion  is  conducive  to 
health  -       -       -  269 

Boils,  see  tumours  -  416 
Bolea,  captain,  his  singular 

revenge  -  205 
Bonaventur,  his  admiration 

of  a  beautiful  woman  142 
Bones,  anatomy  of  -  31 
Boneset  -  502 

Bowman's  root  -  -  ib 
Boxwood  -  503 
Brackenridge,  Rev.  Dr.  his 

christian  conduct  -  685 
Bradford,  captain,  died  for 

his  country  -  -  252 
Bread,  most  wholesome  102 
Breast,  swelling  of,  in  in- 
fants -  -  -  475 
Breath,  bad,  how  to  correct  329 
Brent,  col.  Wm.  friend  of 

humanity  -  -  585 
Brookes,  lieut.  died  for  his 

country  -  -  -  252 
Broome,  lieut.  died  for  his 

country       -       -       -  ib 
Broomrape,  Virginia,  pro- 
perties of        -       -  503 
Brown,  general,  the  hero  of 

Sackett's  Harbour,  kc.  662 
Brown,  lieut.  died  for  his 

country  -  252 
Bruises,  treatment  of  -  430 
Buboes  -       -       -  391 

Buckthorn,  properties  of  503 
Buel,  lieut.  died  for  his 

country  -  252 
Burch,  captain,  cured  of  an 
abscess  of  the  liver  by 
onions  -  -  -  568 
Burdock,  properties  of  504 
Burnet  saxifrage  -  ib 
Burns,  treatment  of  -  411 
Burrows,  captain,  died  for 

his  country  -  -  252 
Bush,  lieut.  died  for  his 

country  -  -  -  ib 
Butterfly  weed  -  -  504 
Butternut  -  -  -  ib 
Button  snake  root       -  ib 


704 


Index. 


c 

Caldwell,  Dr.  how  he  pre- 
served his  son's  health  89 
 his  opinion  re- 
specting; wormii  -  484 
Calico  tree,  properties  of  506 
Calimiis,  pioperlies  of  ib 
Calomel,  doses  of  -  632 
Cambyscs,  his  envy  to  his 

brother        -       -       -  2 11 

Camomile,  properties  of  509 

Camomile,  wild,  -  ib 
Campbell,  hon.  George  W. 

friend  of  humanity       -  685 
Camphorated  powders,  do- 
ses of          -       _       -  634 

  how  prepared      -  639 

 mixture          -       -  642 

 liniment,     -       -  657 

 spirits,    -       -       -  ib 

Cancer,  treatment  of   -  417 

Cancer  root     -       -       -  506 

Candleberry  myrtle      -  507 

Capture  of  Washington  -  661 

Caraway,  properties  of  507 

Carrot,  wild,  properties  of  ib 
Carroll,  Charles,  esq.  friend 

of  humanity  -  -  685 
Carroll,  Mrs.  cured  of  a 

bilious  fever  by  porter  284 

Cartilages,  anatomy  of  33 

Casimir,  his  patience    -  191 

Castor  oil,  how  made       -  507 

Catgut,  properties  of  -  508 
Cathartic    mixture,  how 

prepared      _       -       -  642 
Cato,  his  hatred  to  the  fe- 
male sex          -       -  198 
Catullus,  his  torment  after 

murdering  3000  Jews  178 

Caustic  alkali,  or  soap  lees,  648 

—  lunar,  doses  of        -  632 

— — .  volatile  liquor,  doses  632 

Celandine,  properties  of  508 
Cellular  membrane,  anato- 
my of          -       •  -41 


Cerate,  Turner's,  how  pre- 
pared      -       -       -  659 
Centaury,  properties  of    -  509 
Chalk,  prepared,  doses  of  632 
Chalmers,  Rev.  Mr.,  friend 
of  humanity         -       -  685 

  Mrs.,  her  alarm  at  a 

large  dose  of  calomel  489 
Chapman  Dr.  his  recipe  for 
scald  head       -       -  398 

  zealous  in  diffusing 

knowledge  -       -  494 

 his  treatment  of  the 

epidemic         -       -  320 

 testifies  the  good 

effects  of  seneka  in  men- 
strual obstructions       -  587 
Chapell,  hon.  John  J.  friend 

of  humanity  -  -  685 
Chancres  -  -  -  391 
Chaptal's  receipt  for  wine  616 
Charleston,  citizens  of,  no- 
ted for  hospitality  -  615 
Charcoal  powder,  how  pre- 
pared -  -  640 
Chastity,  examples  of,  145,  148 
Cheerfulness,  consistent  with 

religion       -       -       -  258 
Cheese,  difficult  of  diges- 
tion        -       -       -  101 
Cherry-tree,  wild,  an  excel- 
lent substitute  forthe  Pe- 
ruvian bark         -       -  509 
Cheselden,  Dr.  his  obser- 
vations  relative  to  the 
study  of  anatomy         -  30 
Cheves,  hon.  L.  friend  of 

humanity  -  -  685 
Chicken-pox  -  -  340 
Chickweed,  red_  -  510 
Chilblains  -  -  410 
Child-bed,  management  of  464 
Children,  management  of  477 
Chincough  -  -  -  491 
Chocolate,  properties  of  106 
Cholera  infantum  -  48 1 
 morbus         -       -    3f  S 


Index^ 


Chordce      -       -       -  3B5 
Chremesj  story  of,  an  in- 
structive lesson  to  the  in- 
temperate -       -  95 
Chyle,  the  manner  it  is  con- 
veyed       -       -       -  58 
Cider,  properties  of       -  104 
Cinquefoil       -  -  510 
Clagget,  lieut.  died  for  his 

country,       -       -  352 
Clap,  treatment  of       -  384 
Cleanliness  promotes  health 
and  preserves  beauty  245 

.         the  foster  mother  of 

love  -  -  247 
 essential  both  in  sick- 
ness and  health         -  26 
Cleavers          -  -  510 
Clemm,  lieut.  died  for  his 

country        -  -  252 

Clinias,  calms  his  passions 

by  music      -  -  192 

Cline,  Dr.  his  adyice  on 

the  dress  of  children  241 
Coakum  -  -  510 

Cockburn,  commodore,  anec- 
dotes of  -  -  676 
Cock-up-hat,  properties  of  511 
Coshus,  his  irritable  dispo- 
sition -  -  181 
Coffee,  properties  of  106 
Cohush,  or  papoose  root, 

properties  of  -  511 

Cold,  treatment  of       -  301 

 prevention  of      -  303 

Cold  bath,  when  beneficial, 

and  when  injurious  -  24 
Cold-washing  infants,  im- 
portance of  -  469 
Colic,  treatment  of  -  372 
Colt's  foot,  properties  of  511 
Columbo,  properties  of  512 
Comfrey  -  ib. 
Common  ulcers  -  419 
Condict,  hon.  L.  friend  of 

humanity         -       -  685 
Conscience,  tliC  force  and 
effects  of  it       -       174,  179 


705 

Consumption  -  •  344 
Constantinus,  his  reverence 

for  religion  -  -  266 
Convulsions  of  children  485 
Cooper,  J.  Esq.  his  receipt 

for  a  cheap  wine  -  620 
Corday,  Charlotte,  history 

of  her  death  -  -  235 
Coriander,  properties  of  513 
Cornaro,  recovers  a  bad  con- 
stitution by  temperance  97 
Corns,  treatment  of  -  415 
Cosmetics,  observations  on  445 
Costiveness,  remarks  on  371 
Costiveness  and  wind,  of  in- 
fants -  -  480 
Cough,  treatment  of  302 
Covington,  general,  died  for 

his  country  -  -  252 
Cowell,  lieut,  died  for  his 

country  -  252 
Cowparsnip,  pro'perties  of  513 
Cowpox       -  -  333 

Crabs  and  lobsters,  caution 

in  the  use  of  -  -  102 
Craik,  Dr.  his  death,  and 

that  of  his  consort      -  573 
Cramp,  treatment  of      -  364 
Crane's  bill,  properties  of  513 
Crawford,  hon.  W.  H.  testi- 
fies the  efficacy  of  onions 
in  croup       -  -  565 

 his  virtues  deservedly 

appreciated      -       -  668 

  Dr.   his  successful 

mode  of  treating  a  hypo- 
chondriac       -       -  362 
Cream  of  tartar,  doses  of  632 
Croghan,  major,  the  hero  of 

fort  Stevenson  -  652 
Cromwell,  Oliver,  his  hy- 
pocrisy -  -  254 
Crosswort  -  -  515 
Croup,  treatment  of  -  488 
Crowfoot,  properties  of  515 
Cuckold  -  -  516 
Cuckow-bread  -  -  ib. 
Cuckow-pint,  properties  of  ib. 
4X; 


706 


Index, 


Cucumber  root    -      -  516 
CuUen,  Dr.  cured  of  a  can- 
cer by  nightshade  564 

—  celebrates  horse-radish 

in  hoarseness  -  546 

Cure-all       -       -       -  517 
Currants,  properties  of  ib. 
Currie,   Dr.  recommends 
the  affusion  of  cold  water 
in  nervous  fever       -  293 

 celebrates  fox-glove  in 

inflammation  of  the  brain  532 
Custard  apple,  properties  of  5 17 
Cutaneous  eruptions       -  394 
Cutbush,  Dr.  bears  testimo- 
ny to  the  efficacy  of  acids 
in  scurvy    -  -  551 

— — —  of  tobacco  in 
dropsy  -  -  607 

 his  successful  practice  319 

Cuthbert,  hon.  A.  friend  of 

humanity  -  685 

Cutler,  Rev.  Dr.  deserving 
high  commendations  494 

—  testifies  the  efficacy  of 
emetic  week  and  skunk 
cabbage  in  asthma     522,  594 

D 

Dandelion,  properties  of  518 
Darwin,  Dr.  gives  an  ac- 
count of  a  surgeon  killing" 
himself  from  fear  of  po- 
verty      -       -       -  173 

 cites  a  case  in  which 

pride  was  effectually  cur- 
ed -  -  233 

 his  remedy  to  correct 

bad  breath  -  306 

Daviess,  col.  his  dying  words  252 
Davis,  general,  died  for  his 

country    -  252 
Deadly  nightshade       -  518 
Deafness       -       -       -  328 
Death,  over-much  feared 
by  some  -       -  173 

  occasioned  by  many 

persons  placed  in  small 
apartments  -       79,  83 


Death  caused  by  going  into 
a  dry  well  -       -  84 

  by   sleeping   near  a 

lime-kiln  -       -  85 

  by  taking   a  large 

draught  of  brandy      -  ib. 

 by  gormandizing  95 

•         by  exposure  to  cold 

weather       -  -  112 

 by  laughter        -  161 

 by  joy        -       -  163 

 by  grief  -  166 

 by  fear        -       -  172 

 by  anger       -       -  186 

 by  envy       -       -  209 

 by  avarice       -       -    2 1 3 

 by  blasphemy      -  263 

Dentition  -  -  -  435 
Deerberry  -  -  -  518 
Desha,  hon.  J.  friend  of  hu- 
manity -  -  -  685 
Devil's  bit,  a  vermifuge  5 1 8 
Dewberry  -  -  -  ib. 
Dexter,  Dr.  entitled  to 
praise         -  494 

  celebrates  bloodroot 

as  a  diaphoretic        -       50 1 
Diaphragm,  use  of        -  54 
Dick,  Dr.  a  delegate     -  67f 
Dickenson,  J.  Esq.  cele- 
brates the  magnolia  in 
rheumatism       -       -  554 
Diet,  observations  on       -  98 
Difficulty  of  urine       -  348 
Digestion,  nature  of  ex- 
plained      -       -        57,  98 
Dill,  a  delightful  aromatic    5 1 8 
Dionysius,   his  miserable 

state  of  mind  -  -  174 
Discharge  from  the  vagina 

in  infants  -  -  483 
Diseases  of  children  -  477 
Dislocations  -  -  430 
Dislocation  of  the  jaw  432 
— ; —  of  the  shoulder      -  ib. 

 of  the  elbow       -  433 

 of  the  thigh,      -  434 

Dispensatory  -       -       -  629 
Dobby,  surgeon  of  the  Bri- 
tish navy       -         -  679 


Index. 


707 


Dock,  properties  of  519 
Dodd,  Dr.  his  sentiments 

on  religion  -  258 

Dogwood,  equal  to  Peru- 
vian bark  -  519 
Donaldson,  col.  Lowry,  his 

last  words       -       -  252 
Dorsey,  Dr.  his  mode  of  ap- 
plying blisters  in  obsti- 
nate cases  of  sore  eyes  313 
Doses  of  medicines  63 1 

Downie,  Dr.  esteems  blood- 
root  an  active  emetic  501 
Dragon's  claw  -  520 

Dragon  root  -  520 

Dreams,  remarkable  cases 

of         -  -  118 

Dress,  custom  of,  in  infants  240 

  love  of         -       -  241 

—  neglect  of,  a  bad  sign  242 

 advantages  of  wearing 

flannel  -  243 

Dropsy  -  378 

Drowned  persons  how  to  be 

treated  -  404 

Drunkards  reclaimed,  in- 
stances of      -       -  224 
Drunkenness,  its  horrid 

consequences       -    105,  221 
Drury,  Dr.  testifies  the  ef- 
ficacy of  emetic  weed  in 
asthma  -  523 

Dublin  lying  in  hospital, 
good  effects  of  ventila- 
ting the  rooms       -  83 
Duellists,  their  want  of  re- 
flection -  -  187 

  how  some  have  been 

mortified       -  -  188 

Dysentery       -  350 

E 

Ear,  description  of  43 

Earach          -  327 

Eginardus,  anecdote  of  129 

Elder,  properties  of  520 

Elecampane,  properties  of  52 1 


Elegy  on  the  death  of  Col. 

Jesse  Ewell           -  378 

 on  an  unfortunate  girl  389 

Elixir  paregoric,  doses  of  632 

 how  prepared  655 

Elm,  properties  of  521 
Emetic  weed,  properties  of  522 
Empirics,  cause  of  their  in- 
crease         -          -  19 

 cures  on  which  their 

fame  is  built          -  20 

Envy,  nature  of        -  208 

 its  baneful  effects  209 

 antidote  against  2 1 1 

Epidemic,  treatment  of  318 

Epileptic  fits  -  354 
Eppes,  hon.  J.  W.  friend 

of  humanity          -  685 

Ergot,  properties  of  524 

Eruptions  of  the  skin  394 

Erysipelas           -  341 

Evacuations,  importance  of  126 
Evans,  captain,  died  for  his 

country          -  252 

Evergreen  cassine  525 

Excretory  vessels,  use  of  36 

Exercise  promotes  health  107 

 absolute  necessity  of  111 

Explanation  of  weights  and 

measures  -  638 
Eye,  description  of  42 
 inflammation  of  312 

F 

Fainting  fits          -  355 

Falling  of  the  fundament  414 

 of  the  palate    -  311 

Fallopian  tubes,  use  of  62 
Fanaticism,  the  cause  of  ex- 
plained         -       -  254 

 how  to  be  treated  255 

 instance  of  its  bane- 
ful effects          -  200 
Fashion,  its  excess  disgustful  24 1 
Fear,  its  origin          -  172 

  turns  the  hair  gray, 

and  occasions  death  172 


708 


Index, 


Fear,  superstitious,  foun- 
dation of  -  182 
Feather  beds  should  be  fre- 
quently aired  126 
Featherfew,  properties  of  525 
Febrifuge  powders,  doses  636 
—  how  prepared  639 

 mixture  642 

Federalists,  humanity  of  635 

Feeding  of  children  471 

Feeling,  explained  45 

Feet,  description  of  32 
Fennel,  sweet,  properties  of  525 

Fern,  properties  of  525 

Fever  bush,  properties  of  526 

Fever  root,  properties  of  527 

Fevers  in  gcTieral  271 

Fibres,  description  of  36 

Fig-tree,       -           -  527 

Fish          -          -  101 

Flag,  blue,  properties  of  528 

 sweet       -  528 

Flannel,  great  preservation 

of  health        -  243,288 

Flatulence  in  infants  480 

Flaxseed,  properties  of  528 

 syrup,  how  prepared  528 

Flea  bane,  properties  of  529 
Flies,  potatoe,  equal  to  the 

Spanish             -       -  581 

 how  collected  582 

Flooding       -          -  452 

Flower-de-luce  529 
Flowers,  smell  of,  unhealthy  87 

Fluor  albus          -  449 

Flux  root  -  529 
Food,  the  most  proper  for 

children       -          -  90 
.       the  manner  it  is  re- 
ceived into  the  stomach 

and  digested          -  54 

«  rules  to  be  observed 

in  taking  it          -  99 
Fothergill,  Dr.  his  fana- 
ticism soon  cured  255 
Fowler,  Dr.  celebrates  to- 
bacco as  a  diuretic  605 


Foxglove,  properties  oi  529 

Fractures  of  the  limbs     -  434 

 of  the  ribs        -  439 

French  apple         -       -  533 

Frostwort,  properties  of  ib 

Frozen  limbs,  treatment  of  410 

Fruit,  properties  of     -  102 

Fumitory,  properties  of  -  533 
Funk,  lieutenant,  died  for 

his  country      -       -  252 

G 

Gaillard,  hon.  J.  friend  of 

humanity  -  -  684 
Gaines,  general,  hero  of 

fort  Erie  -  -  -  662 
Galen,  how  he  became  con- 
verted -  -  -  29 
Galling  of  infants  -  -  472 
Gall  bladder,  its  use  -  60 
Gamble,  lieutenant,  died  for 

his  country          -       -  252 

Gamboge,  doses  of      -  632 

Gangrene  -  428 
Gant,  Dr.  celebrates  elm  in 

dysentery        -       -  522 

Gargles,  how  prepared    -  650 

Garlic,  properties  of  -  534 
Gaston,  the  soldier  and 

christian      -       -       -  189 

Gentian,  qualities  of  -  534 
Gholson,  hon.   T.  friend 

of  humanity        -       -  685 

 Mrs.  festifies  the  tonic 

elfecis  of  Sampson  snake 


root         -       -  -  591 

y^nger,  doses  of  -  632 

[Ginseng         -       -  -  535 

Gibson,  colonel,  died  for 

his  country         -  -  252 

Glands,  use  of     -  -  36 

Gleet     -       -       -  -  386 

Glossary      -       -  -  693 

Glysters         -       -  -  652 

Gaol  fever          -  -  290 

Goats'  rue,  Virginia  -  535 


Index. 


Godfrey,  Ms  modesty,  &c.  239 
Golden  rod,  or  thread  -  535 
Gonorrhoea  -  -  384 
Goosegrass,  properties  of  535 
Gordon,  captain,  of  the  Bri- 
tish navy  -  -  677 
Gout       -       -       -  380 

 doctor,  anecdote  of  ib. 

Graham,  John,   friend  of 

humanity  -  -  685 
Gravel,  treatment  of  -  348 
Graves,  major,  died  for  his 

country        -  -  252 

Grayson,  captain,  his  gal- 
lant conduct  -  664 
Greene,  general,  his  death  30 1 
Greenleaf's  Point,  explo- 
sion at  -  -  681 
Green-sickness  -  449 
Grief,  injurious  to  heaJth  165 

 deep,  induces  insanity 

and  death        -       -  166 

 its  best  remedy       -  168 

Grimes,  Dr.  his  mode  of 
administering  the  pride 
of  china  •  -  484 
Grinding  pains  -  -  462 
Gripes  in  infants  -  480 
Grog  blossoms  -  -  394 
Ground  holly,  properties  of  536 
Ground  pine,  -  -  536 
Ground  pink  -  ib. 
Guinea  pepper  -  -  537 
 worm       -       -  409 


H 

Hamilton,  hon.  Paul,  the 
philanthropist  and  patriot  494 

 his  description  of  the 

button  snake  root       -  505 

 the  heart  snake  root  537 

 of  the  pleurisy  root  576 

 of  the  squirrel  ear  596 

 his  mode  of  adminis- 
tering the  May  apple  556 

 Archibald,  lieutenant, 

died  for  his  country  252 
—  account  of  his  death  505 


709 

Hamilton,  captain,  died  for 

his  country  -  -  252 
Hammock,  Ur.  celebrates 

hops  in  ulcers  -  543 
Hannibal,    his  excessive 

pride  -  -  231 

Hardicanute,  killed  by  glut- 
tony -  -  95 
Hart,  captain,  died  for  his 

country       -  -  252 

Harriet,  story  of  -  139 
Hartshorn,  doses  of  -  632 
Harts*  tongue,  properties  of  537 
Harvey,  discoverer  of  the 

circulation  of  the  blood  51 
Hatred,  destructive  to  mind 
and  body      -  -  196 

 instances  of      -  197 

Hawes,  hon.  A.  the  friend 
of  humanity     -       -  685 

 Mrs.  testifies  the  tonic 

effects  of  Samson  snake 
root         -       -       -  591 
Head,  description  of      -  41 
Headach       -  -  327 

Heart,  anatomy  of  -  49 

Heartburn       -  -  369 

Heart's  ease,  properties  of  537 
Heart  snake  root,  -  ib. 
Hellebore,  properties  of  538 
Hemlock,  properties  of  540 
Hemorrhoidal  ointment,  658 
Flenbane,  properties  of  541 
Henderson,   colonel,  died 

for  his  country     -       -  252 
Hendry,  Dr.   testifies  the 
efficacy  of  crane's  bill  as 
an  astringent       -       -  514 
Herb  bennet       -       -  541 

 trinity       -       -  542 

Hesiod,  his  observations  re- 
lating U) hope         -  157 
Hiccup  -  -  367 

Hickman,  captain,  died  for 

his  country  -  -  252 
Hill,  sir  J.  his  effrontery  590 
Hippocrates,  his  jealousy  142 
HiveS)  treatment  of      -  488 


710 


Index. 


Hoarseness  -  302  and  546 
Hogbed,  properties  of  -  542 
Holmes,  captain,  died  for 

his  country  -  -  252 
Holvvell,  colonel,  his  ac- 
count of  the  black  hole 
in  Calcutta  -  -  279 
Holy  thistle  -  -  542 
Homer,  cause  of  his  death  167 
Hooded  widow  herb  -  542 
Hooper,  captain,  died  for 

his  country  -  -  252 
Hooping  Cough  -  -  490 
Hope,  the  source  of  human 

happiness  -  -  156 
—  its  great  influence  on 

the  body  -       -  158 

Hoppuck,  captain,  died  for 

his  country  -  252 

Hops,  properties  of  -  542 
Horehound,  properties  of  545 
Horse-radish,  properties  of  ib. 
Hosack,  Dr.  a  meritorious 

and  distinguished  botanist  494 
Hospitals,  a  cheap  plan  re- 
commended to  planters  27 
— —  ought  now  to  be  esta- 
blished in  all  our  sea-port 
towns        -       -       -  28 
 a  most  miserable  sub- 
stitute for  one         -  689 
Houseleek,  properties  of  546 
Howell,  lieut.  died  for  his 

country    -  252 
Hughes,  Dr.  recommends 
lavender  thrift  as  an  an- 
tisceptic       -  -  550 

Hunter,    Rev.    Dr.  slept 

comfortably  under  snow  113 
Husbands,  instances  of  the 

base  cruelty  of  some,  149,  222 
Hydrophobia  -  -  408 
Hygieine,  or  means  of  pre- 
serving health  -  72 
Hypochondriac  disease  359 
Hypocrisy  -  -  253 
Hyssop,  properties  of  -  546 
Hysteric  fits       -      -  356 


I  Si  J 


Jack,  captain,  died  foi*  his 

country        -          -  253 

Jalap,  doses  of        -       -  632 

James'  Town  weed      -  549 

Jaundice       -       -       -  399 

Jaundice,  infantile      -  478 

Iceplant,  properties  of  547 

Jealousy,  horrid  effects  of  143 

Jerusalem  oak,         -  549 

Imagination,  force  of  455 

Imperforated  anus       -  474 

 vagina        -  ib. 

Impiety,  consequences  of  363 

Incontinence  of  urine     -  347 

Indian  hemp,  properties  of  547 

 physic,  properties  of  ib. 

 tobacco       -       -  548 

 turnip  -       -       -  '  ib. 

Indigestion  -  -  370 
Indigo  weed,  properties  of  549 
Infants,  diseases  of,  requir- 
ing external  treatment  473 
Infection,  means  of  arrest- 
ing its  progress  -  298 
Inflammation  of  the  bladder  326 

 of  the  brain  299 

 of  the  breast  465 

 of  the  eyes  312 

 of  the  intestines  324 

 of  the  kidnies  325 

 of  the  liver  320 

 of  the  lungs  317 

 of  the  stomach  322 

 of  the  throat  304 

Influenza  -  -  -  301 
Ingenhouz,  Dr.  his  remarks 

on  the  properties  of  plants  86 

Injections  how  prepared  652 

Injuries  of  the  head  434 
Intemperance,   a  suicidal 

practice  -  -  215 
— —  a  miserable  refuge 

from  misfortune       -  216 

 — danger  of        -  221 

 instances  of  persons 

being  reclaimed       -  224 


Index. 


711 


Intestines,  anatomy  of    -  56 

Intoxication,  description  of  402 

 how  to  be  treated  403 

Joan,  murders  her  husband  145 
Johnson,  Dr.  his  pleasure 

on  seeing  ladies  at  work  109 
Joseph,  his  exemplary  con- 
duct       -       -       -  147 
Joy,  facilitates  the  cure  of 
disease        -       -       -  160 

 fatal  instances  of  when 

excessive         -       -  162 

Ipecacuanha,  doses  of     -  632 

 American        -  549 

Issues     -       -       -       -  443 

Itch    -       -       .       -  396 

Itch  lotion,  how  prepared  65 1 

Juniper,  properties  of     -  550 

Ivy         -       -        -        -  549 

K 

Kellie,  Dr.  hi  remedy  for 

the  ague  -  -  279 
Key,  F.   Esq.   his  noble 

conduct  -  686 
Kidnies,  their  use  -  61 
King,  Dr.  testifies  the  effi- 
cacy of  thorn  apple  in  af- 
fections of  the  brain  -  600 
King  of  Hungary,  story  of  175 
King's  evil  -       -  398 

Kingston,  sir  Wm.  his  cruel 

disposition  -  -  203 
Kittering,  V.  Mr.  states 
chickweed  tobeaspecific 
for  the  bite  of  a  mad  dog  5 10 
Kollock,  Dr.  testifies  the 
efficacy  of  the  pride  of 
China  as  a  febrifuge    -  585 

L 

Labour,  symptoms  of      -  456 

 management  of   -  457 

-—  lingering        -       -  ib 
Lacedemonians,  their  re- 
spect to  ojd  age        -  239 


Lambkill  -  -  -  550 
Lavater,  his  remarks  on  dress  242 
Lauderdale,  col.  died  for 

his  country          -       -  252 

Laudanum,  doses  of     -  632 

 how  prepared      -  658 

 ' —  caution  in  the  use  of  315 

Lavender,  doses  of       -  632 

 thrift,  properties  of  550 

Laurel  -  ib 
Lawrence,  captain,  his  dy- 
ing injunction  -  -  252 
Leadwater,  how  prepared  649 
Leeches,  mode  of  applying  441 
Legate,  lieut.  died  for  his 

country       -       -       -  252 

Legs,  description  of    -  32 

—  dislocation  of     -       -  434 

—  fracture  of  -  -  435 
Lemon  tree  -  -  -  551 
Lettuce,  wild,  properties  of  552 
Lichen,  properties  of  -  ib 
Life  root,  properties  of  553 
Ligaments,  anatomy  of  -  33 
Lightning,  how  to  recover 

persons  apparently  killed 

by      -       -       -       -  405 

Lime  kilns,  dangerous  ef- 
fects of       -       -       -  85 

Lime  water,  how  prepared  647 

Lind,  Dr.  his  remarks  re-^ 

lating  to  the  passions    -  158 

Little,  Dr.  celebrates  the 
may  appleas  an  excellent 


purge         -  -       -  656 

Liver,  anatomy  of  -  60 
Lobelia,  properties  of     -  553 

Lochial  discharge  -  447 

Lockjaw  -  365 

Looseness    -  376 

Love^  definition  of  -       -  129 


—  the  powerful  influence  of  129 

—  propitious,  conducive  to 
health      -       -       -  137 

—  disappointed,  renders  the 
soul  frantic       -       -  ib 

Lover,  false,  an  abominable 
character     -       -       -  15! 


Index. 


712 

Lowndes,  hon.  W.  friend  of 

humanity  -  -  685 
Lowness  of  spirits  -  -  359 
Ludlow,  lieut.  died  for  his 

country  -  252 
Lumbago  -  -  -  332 
Lungs,  description  of      -  48 

M 

Madder,  properties  of  -  554 
Madison,  Mrs.  her  amiable 
character  duly  apprecia- 
ted -  -  -  -  674 
Magdeburg, bishop,  his  faith  265 
Magnesia,  doses  of  -  632 
Magnolia,  properties  of  -  554 
Maiden  hair,  properties  of  55  5 
Male  fern  -  -  -  ib 
Malignant  fever          -  290 

 sore  throat  -       -  307 

Mallow,  common        -  555 

Management  of  child-bed  464 

 of  infants        -  468 

Mandrake,  or  may  apple  556 

Manna,  doses  of  -  -  632 
Marsh  mallow,  properties  of  556 
Martin,  sailing-master,  his 

gallant  conduct        -  664 
Mason,  T.  Esq.  celebrates 
pleurisy  root  in  inflam- 
matory diseases        -  575 
Masterwort,  properties  of  ib 
Maximianus,  his  envy     -  211 
May  apple          -       -  557 
May  rant,  col.  his  descrip- 
tion of  the  samson  snake 
root         -       -       -  590 
May  weed,  properties  of  557 
M'Cormick,  col.  D.  testi- 
fies the  efficacy  of  peach 
leaves  in  bilious  fever  571 
M'Kenney,  Mr.  W.  friend 

of  humanity  -  -  685 
M*Kim,  hon.  Alex,  friend 

of  humanity  -  -  685 
M'Donough,  lieut.  died  for 

his  country  -       -       -  252 


Mead,  captain,  died  for  his 

country  -  252 
Mease,  Dr.  deserving  of 

high  praise         -       -  494 

 testifies  the  efficacy  of 

alder  as  an  antiseptic  495 

Measles  -  -  -  339 
Mechanism  of  the  human 

body,  contrivance  of    -  67 

Meconium,  observations  on  471 
Medicine,  some  knowledge 
of,  important  to  the  heads 

of  families  -  -  19 
— —  necessary  caution  in 

the  use  of        -       -  21 

Membranes,  description  of  36 

Menstruation,      -       -  447 

Mercurial  solution,     -  646 

Mezereon,  properties  of  557 
Middleton,  captain, died  for 

his  country  -  -  252 
Milesian  virgins,  tl^ir  great 

modesty      -:  ^  -       -  237 

Miliary  fever       -       -  467 

Militia,  anecdotes  of        -  668 

 shamefully  neglected  688 

Milk,  properties  of  -  101 
Milk  fever  -  -  -  467 
Milk,  or  silk  weed  -  558 
Milkwort,  properties  of  559 
Milledge,  hon.  John,  culti- 
vates the  benne  -  500 
Miller,  major,  his  gallant 

conduct       -  664 

Miltwaste    -       -       -  55*9 
Minor,  col.  his  opinion  re- 
specting the  fate  of  Wash- 


ington        -       -  - 

662 

Mint 

559 

Miscarriage    -       -  - 

453 

Misleto,  properties  of 

559 

Mison,  his  hatred  of  man 

197 

Mitchill,  Dr.  his  account  of 

Miss  Baker 

121 

  Dr.  deservedly  ap- 

preciated 

494 

 celebrates  the  elm  in 

several  diseases  - 

521 

Index* 


Modesty,  its  great  influence  223 
Monimia,    her  deplorable 

fate  -  -  151 

Montagne,  relates  a  singular 

story  of  a  king  184 
Monteith,  surgeon  of  the  Bri- 
tish army,  his  death  661 
Moore,  Dr.  cites  a  case  rela- 
tive to  the  force  of  imagi- 
nation -  -  456 
Moorwort,  properties  of  560 
Motherwort,  properties  of  ib 
Mountain  tea,  properties  of  ib 
Moiithwort,  or  golden  thread  561 
Mortification  -  428 
Mosely,  Dr.  his  favourite  re- 
medy in  dysentery  351 
Mug  wort,  properties  of  561 
Muir,  Rev.  Dr.  a  delegate  657 
Mulberry  tree,  properties  of  561 
Mullein,  properties  of  *  562 
Mwmps  -  -  311 
Muscles,  de^ription  of  33 
Music,  powerful  effects  of  194 
Mustard,  properties  of  562 

N 

Navel  string,  manner  of  ty- 
ing it  -  -  -  468 
Navy,  brilliant  achieve- 
ments of  -  -  667 
Nerves,  description  of  34 
Nervous  fever  -  -  290 
Nettle  rash  -  -  395 
Nettle,  stinging  -  -  563 
Nightmare  -  -  368 
Nightshade,  properties  of  564 
Nipples,  sore  -  466 
Nitre,  doses  of  -  632 
Nitric  acid  diluted  .  643 
Nostrils,  their  use  44 
Nostrums,  danger  of  20 


O 

a  Oak,  the  bark  of,  possesses 
in  a  great  degree  astrin- 


713 

gent,  tonic,  and  antisep- 
tic properties  566 
—  astonishing  cure  wrought 

by  it  -  -  566 

Obstruction  of  urine  387 
0*Fling,  ensign,  died  for  his 

country  -  -  252 

Ointment,  basilicon  659 

  hemorrhoidal  65{i 

 mercurial       -  ib 

—          simple  -  ib 

 saturnine  -  ib 

Omentum,  its  use  -  59 
Onions,  properties  of  567 
Opiates,  caution  in  the  use  of  3 1 5 
Opium,  doses  of  -  632 
Opodeldoc,  how  prepared  657 
Orange-tree  -  569 

Orne,  Dr.  recommends  cow- 
parsnip  in  epilepsy  518 
Ovaria,  description  of  63 

P 

Pace,  captain,  died  for  his 

country            -  252 

Pagan  religion,  account  of  169 

Pain  of  the  stomach  372 

Palate,  elongation  of  311 

Palmer,  Mr.   anecdote  of  383 

Palpitation  of  the  heart  366 

Palsy,  treatment  of  358 

Pancreas,  its  use       -  61 

Papau           -          -  569 

Papoose  root            -  569 

Paraphymosis       -       -  384 

Paregoric  elixir,  doses  of  632 

  how  prepared     -  655 

Parrot,  killed  by  eating  the 

berries  of  pride  of  China  584 
Parsley-leaved  yellow-root,  570 
Parsley,  properties  of  571 
Passions  are  either  of  an 
agreeable  or  disagreeable 
nature           -           -  128 
Patent  medicines,  or  nos- 
trums, why  dangerous  20 
Patriotism,  definition  of  248 

 of  Themistocles  249 

4  X 


714 


Index, 


Patriotism  of  a  French  soldier  250 
—  of  an  Englisli  sailor  251 

 of  Americans  252 

Peach-tree,  properties  of  571 
Perspiration,  insensible,  the 

imi)ortance  of  38,  244 
 when  suppressed,  the 

danger  of  -  39 

Penis,  anatomy  of  -  63 

Pennyroyal,  properties  of  572 
Peppermint,  properties  of  572 
Pepper,  red,  properiies  of  574 
Pericles,  his  command  of 


temper             •  190 

Peripneumony          -  317 

Petechial  fever  -  290 
Peter,  major,  his  gallant 

conduct          -  662 

J'hilip,  his  good  nature  192 

Phrensy          -          -  299 

Phymosis          -          -  384 
Physic,  Dr.  his  excellent 
advice  in  hemorrhage  of 

the  extremities  -  422 
Pike,  general,  died  nobly 

for  his  country       -  252 

Piles          -          -  349 

Pills,  mercurial          -  646 

..  purgative  -  644 
-.  ■  .  of  sugar  of  lead  and 

ipecacuanha           -  645 

—  tonic          -          -  ib 

  vitriolic       -  - 

Pinkroot,  properties  of  574 

Pins,  swallowing  of         -  409 

Pisswort          -           -  575 

Pittacus,  his  shrew  of  a  wife  1 44 

Placenta  ,       -          -  460 

Plantain,  properties  of  575 

Plaster  blistering          -  659 

Pleurisy,  treatment  of  314 

Pleurisy  root,  properties  of  575 
Plutarch,  his  observations 

relating  to  bashfulness  238 
Poe,  lieut.  c^ied  for  his  coun- 
try         -          -  253 
Poison,  treatment  of  405 
■       oak,  properties  of  577 


Pokeweed,  properties  of  578 

Polygonum,  properties  of  579 

Polypody,  properties  of  579 

Pomegranate,  properties  of  579 
Pope,  Julius,  relieved  of  a 

fever  by  joy         -  1 60 

Poplar-tree,  properties  of  580 

Poppy,  white,  properties  of  580 
Potatoe,  sweet,  properties  of  581 

  wild           -           -  582 

Poultry,           -           -  102 

Pox,  treatment  of       -  388 

Pregnancy,  signs  of  451 

Preliminary  observations  17 

Prickly  ash,  properties  of  582 

  heat,  treatment  of  395 

  pear,  properties  of  583 

  yellow  wood            -  582 

Pride  of  India,  or  China)  583 
Progress  of  labour  -  456 
Prolapsus  ani  -  414 
Pr  >metheus,  his  story  rela- 
ting to  intemperance  217 
Prostate  gland,  description  63 
Ptolomeus,  cried  for  joy  161 
PucCoon  -  -  585 
Puerperal  fever  •  468 
Putrid  fever  -  290 
Putrid  sore  throat       -  307 


Pythagorean  philosopher  go- 
verned by  his  conscience  179 

Q 

Quacks,  cause  of  their  in- 
crease         -        .  -  19 
Quaker  girl,  her  attractions  247 
Quarles,  captain,  died  for 

his  country       -  252 

Queen  of  the  meadows  585 

Quince-tree,  properties  of  585 

Quinsy,  treatment  of  304 

R 

Radish,  properties  of  586 
Ramsey,  Dr.  his  death  426 
Rand,  Dr.  celebrates  fox- 
glove in  spitting  of  blood,  531 


Index. 


715 


l^asberry,  properties  of    -  586 

Rattle  snake  root         -  586 

Rattle  snake  violet          -  538 

Red  gum,  treatment  of  479 

Regimen,  its  imporiance  27 
Religion  conduces  greatly 

to  health  -  -  253 
 gives  a  check  to  our 

passions  -  -  -  257 
 purifies  our  enjoy- 
ments in  life  -  -  258 
— — —  the  reverence  which 

heathens  paid  to  it       -  S>64 

Remittent  fever          -  280 

Rheumatism           -       -  330 

Rhubarb,  doses  of        -  634 

 wiW        -       -       -  588 

Ribs,  use  of        -       -  31 

Rickets  -  -  -  492 
Ricketson,  Dr.  his  mode  of 

extracting  opium  -  580 
Ringgold,  hon.  S.  friend  of 

humanity    -       -       -  685 

Ring-worm  -  -  397 
Ripley,  general,  his  gallant 

conduct  -  662 
Robert,  king,  his  forbearance  19 1 

Romans,  great  drinkers  105 
Roosevelt,  lieut.  died  for  his 

country           -       -  253 

Rose,  properties  of         -  588 

 willow,  properties  of  589 

Ross,  general,  his  conduct 

at  Washington         -  670 

Rue  -  -  -  '  -  589 
Routs,  dangerous  tendency 

of      -       -       -       -  79 

Ruptures  -  -  -  412 
Rush,  Dr.  his  observations 

relating  to  wine       -  615 

S 

Sage,  properties  of         -  589 

Saint  Anthony's  fire  -  341 
Sailor,  American,  singular 

patriotism  of  one  -  252 
Sailors,  too  inattentive  to 

health      -       -       -  288 


Sailors,  deserve  the  best 

treatment  -  -  -  28 
Saline  mixture,  doses  of  636 

 —  how  prepared     -  643 

Salt  of  tartar,  doses  of  634 
Samson  snake  root,  590 
Sanicle,  American  -  591 

Sarsaparilla,  properties  of  591 
Sassafras,  properties  of  592 
Sausages  -  102 
Savannah,  citizens  of,  noted 

for  their  hospitality  615 
Scaldhead  -  -  .  397 
Scalds  and  burns  -  411 
Scirrhus  -  -  -  417 
Sciatica  -  ,  -  -  332 
Scipio,  his  virtue  -  -  145 
Scrofula  -  398 
Scullcap,  blue  -  -  592 
Scurvy        -  ■  -  393 

Scurvy  grass,  properties  of  592 
Sea  sickness  -  402 
Secretory  vessels,  use  of  36 
Seminal  weakness  -  387 
Senna,  properties  of  593 
Senses,  specified  and  defined  4 1 
Seton  -  443 
Severus,  his  reverence  for 

religion  -  -  -  265 
Sevier,  captain  of  marines, 


his  gallant  conduct  664 
Shaw,  Dr.  his  death  -  570 
Sight,  the  sense  of  analyzed  42 
Sinapisms,  how  prepared  660 
Syrup  of  flaxseed  -  528 
Skin,  anatomy  of  -  -  36 
 the  functions  of,  ex- 
plained       -       -       37,  39 

 diseases  of  -  394 

Skoke         -  -.  593 

Skunk  cabbage  '  -  593 

Slaves,  brutally  murdered  185 

 revenge  of  one  on  his 

master      -  -  1^9^ 

 the  manner  they  ought 

to  be  treated  -  -  26 
Slave  trade,  barbarity  of  -  82 
Sleep,  concise  history  of  1 14 
 consequences  arising 


716 


Index. 


from  too  much  or  too 

little        -       -       -  117 

 after  dinner,  whether 

advisable          -       -  117 

Sleeptalker     -       -       -  121 

Sleepwalker        -       -  122 

Smali-pox  -  -  -  337 
Smith,  iieut.  died  for  his 

country  -  -  -  252 
Snuffles  -  -  -  478 
Soapwort,  properties  of  594 
Socrates,  his  maxim  relat- 
ing to  food  -  -  -  95 
Solander,  Dr.  advice  of,  re- 
lating to  cold  -  111 
Solution  of  kali,      -       -  647 

—  crude  sal  ammoniac  ib 

Sore  eyes       -       -       -  312 

—  nipples  -  -  466 
Sorrel,  properties  of  -  595 
Southern  wood  -  -  595 
South-sea  tea,  properties  of  ib 
Speech,  blessing  of  -  45 
Spence,  Dr.  his  mode  of 

exhibiting  fox-glove  -  530 
Spencer,  captain,  died  for 

his  country      -       -  252 

Spikenard,  properties  of  596 

Spirit  of  lavender,  doses  of  634 

.        of  Hiindererus,  doses  643 

 how  prepared      -  636 

Spitting  of  blood          -  343 

Spleen,  description  of     -  61 

I        enlargement  of    -  278 

Spleenwort     -  596 

Spotted  fever      -       -  290 

Sprains  and  bruises        -  430 

Squirrel  ear,  properties  of  596 
Stansbury,  lieut.  died  for 

his  country  -  -  252 
Stevenson,  Dr.  his  remark 

on  bowel  complaints    -  350 

—  his  treatment  of  a  hy- 
pochondriac        -       -  361 

Still  born  infant,  mode  of 

recovering      -      -  47:^ 


Stings  of  insects         -  406 
Stink  weed     -       -       -  597 
Stockton,  John,  his  deplor- 
able situation       ^       -  680 
Stoddard,  major,  died  for 

his  country  -  -  25? 
Stomach,  description  of  54 
Stork,  Dr.  testifies  the  ef- 
ficacy of  henbane  in  pal- 
pitation -  -  -  541 
Strangury  -  -  348 
Strawberry,  properties  of  597 
Stroke  of  the  sun  -  -  300 
Stye,  see  sore  eyes 
Sugar  of  lead,  doses  of  634 
Sulphur,  doses  of  -  ib 
Sumach,  properties  of  -  597 
Sundew,  properties  of  598 
Suppression  of  urine  -  348 
Sutures  -  -  -  424 
Swallow  wort  -  -  -  599 
Swan,  W.  esq.  a  delegate  677 
Swelling  of  the  breast  in 

infants         -       -       -  475 

Swift,  J.  esq.  a  delegate  677 

Swine  pox          -       r  340 

T 

Table  of  medicines  for  fa- 
mily use       -          -  632 
 of  weights  and  mea- 
sures             -          -  638 
Taliaferro,  John,  esq.  his 

remedy  for  whitlow  416 

Tansy          -          -  599 

Tartar  emetic,  doses  of  634 

 on  the  teeth,  how  to 

remove  and  prevent  it  329 
Tar  water,  how  prepared  648 
Taste,  pleasures  of  45 
Tea  -  -  106 
Teeth,  management  of  329 
Teething  -  -  486 
Tendons,  use  of  -  34 
Testicles,  anatomy  of  53 
 swelling  of       -  385|^ 


Index, 


111 


Tetany,  treatment  of  365 
Tetters,  treatment  of  397 
Thatcher,  Dr.  entitled  to 

praise         -  -  494 

Theodoricus,  his  shocking 

death  -  -  -  178 
Thighs,  description  of  32 
I       — dislocation  of  434 

 fiacture  of       -  435 

Thorax,  description  of  48 
Thomas,  Dr.  testifies  the 
good  effects  of  cayenne 
in  putrid  sore  throat  309 
  recommends  char- 
coal to  stop  bleeding  at 
the  nose       -  -  342 
Thomas,  Dr.  G.  testifies  the 
efficacy  of  calico  tree  in 
diarrhoea       -  -  506 
Thorn  apple,  properties  of  599 
Thornton,    Dr.  cultivates 

ginseng        -  -  535 

Thoroughwort,  properties  603 
Throat-root      -    *      -  604 


Thrush,  treatment  of 
Thyme,  properties  of 

480 

604 

Timon,  the  man-hater 

197 

Tincture  of  bark 

654 

 of  cantharides 

655 

 of  columbo 

654 

—  of  foxglove 

655 

 of  myrrh 

ib. 

— —  of  rhubarb 

654 

— —  of  steel 

634 

 rheumatic 

656 

 thebaic 

653 

Tinea,  or  scald-head 

397 

Tobacco,  properties  of 

605 

Tongue-tied 

474 

Tonic  drops, 

644 

— •  powders,  doses  of 

636 

 hovr  prepared 

640 

Toothach  - 

329 

Toothach-tree 

610 

Touchwood 

ib. 

Towson,  captain,  his  gallant 

conduct 

662 

Travellers  in  winter,  caution 

to  -  -  -  111 
Trefoil       .  -  610 

Troup,  hon.  G.  M.  friend 
of  humanity       -       -  685 

 his  great  virtue  688 

 testifies  the  efficacy 

of  peach-tea  in  fevers  571 

 his  deafness  cured  328 

Tumours       -       -       -  416 
 on  the  scalp  of  in- 
fants      -       -       -  473 
Turner's  cerate,  how  pre- 
pared        -  -  659 
Typhus  fever       -       -  290 

U 

Ulceration  of  the  navel  475 

Ulcers  -  -  -  419 
Ureters,  use  of       -       -  61 

Urethra         -          -  63 

Uterus,  description  of  62 

Unicorn  root       -       -  611 

V 

Vaccine  disease         -  333 

Vagina,  description  of  62 

Valerian  -  -  -  611 
Vanhorn,  captain,  died  for 

country       -  252 

Vanity,  effects  of       -  228 

 cure  of       -        -  233 

Van  Ness,  general,  friend 

of  humanity       -       -  68^5 

Veins,  description  of       -  35 

Venereal  disease        -  384 

Venison       -       -       -  102 

Villars  murders  his  wife  149 

Vine,  cultivation  of       -  612 

Violet,  rattle  snake       -  62 1 

Violet,  sweet,   -       -       -  ib. 

Virgin's  bower    -       -  622 

Vitriolic  solution    -       -  640 

Voltaire,  his  conversion  266 


Vomiting,  treatment  of  284,  375 


718 


Index, 


W 

Wake  robin 
Walnut,  properties  of 
AVarm  bath,  virtues  of 
Warts 

Washing  of  infants 

Washington,  general,  his 
death       .       -  - 

 city,  capture  of 

Water  cresses 

Water,  impure,  how  to  cor- 
rect it       -       -  - 
trefoil     '  - 

Watery  head 

Wattles,  captain,  died  for 

his  country 
Wayne,  general,  his  death 
Weakness  of  the  stomach 
Weems,  Dr.  his  prescrip- 
tion      -        -  - 

 his  death 

Wells,  dry,  danger  of 
White  betony,  properties  of 
Whites 

White  swelling 

White  vitriol,  doses  of 

White  bryony 

White  wood  -        -  - 

Whitlow 

Wilkinson,  Dr.  celebrates 
the  willow  as  a  tonic 

Williams,  captain,  died  for 
his  country 

Willow 

Wistar,  Dr.  celebrates  ni- 


623 
ib. 

25 
415 
469 

306 
661 
623 

103 

624 
486 

25V 
382 
370 

374 
ib. 
84 
624 
449 
400 
634 
624 
624 
415 

625 

252 
624 


trie  acid  in  liver  com- 
plaints    -       -       -  322 
Withering,  Dr. testifies  the 
efficacy  of  fox-glove  in 
dropsy         -       -       -  532 
Willow,  properties  of     -  624 
Wilmer,  lieut.  died  for  his 

country  -  -  -  252 
Wind  and  costiveness  of 

children      -  480 
Wine,  excellent  to  prevent 
as  well  as  cure  diseases  612 

 the  "use  of  economy  613 

 abuse  of,  injurious  614 

 receipts  for  making  616 

 adulteration  of,  how 

detected  -  -  -  289 
Winterberry  -  625 
Wintergreen  -  625 
Wood  betony,  properties  of  625 
Woodhouse,  Dr.  his  de- 
scription of  the  parsley- 
leaved  yellow  root 
  his  (il&ath 


Woi^ms 
W  ormseed 
Wormwood 
Wounds 


570 
ib 
484 
625 
625 
422 


625 


Yarrow,  properties  of 
Yates,  lieut.  died  for  his 

country    -  -  253 

Yeast,  receipts  for  making  544 
Yellow  fever  -  28a 


i 


f 


I 


